Iowa 64, Illinois 61: Matt Gatens had a game-high 20 points, including a pair of critical free throws late, as Iowa overcame a four-point halftime deficit to hold off the Illini in the first round of the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis.

Aaron White added 13 points and nine rebounds for the eighth-seeded Hawkeyes (17-15), who will advance to play top-seeded Michigan State on Friday at noon in the quarterfinals.

The win snapped Iowa’s seven-game losing streak against Illinois (17-15), which lost nine of its final 10 games to close out a disappointing season.

Iowa appeared to be in control late, leading 62-56 with 37 seconds left after a pair of Gatens free throws. But Illinois scored on its next two possessions — a Joseph Bertrand tip shot, then a 3-pointer — to pull within 62-61 with 20 seconds left.

After Gatens made two free throws with 10 seconds left, Illinois had one final chance to force overtime. But D.J. Richardson’s last-second 3-pointer clanged off the back rim, and Iowa secured the rebound.

Meyers Leonard finished with a team-high 18 points for the Illini, who are expected to fire head coach Bruce Weber after the season. Though Illinois won’t make the NCAA tournament, it could still qualify for the National Invitation Tournament or one of two other postseason events.

Richardson had 11 points and six rebounds, and Bertrand added 11 points.

Iowa trailed 44-37 with 14:15 left but then responded with a 21-6 run over the next eight minutes. The Hawkeyes extended the lead to as many as eight and never trailed the rest of the way.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Weber fell to 13-3 all-time against Iowa … Iowa held a 17-0 advantage in free throw attempts … The Hawkeyes advanced to the second round of the Big Ten tournament for the first time since 2006 … The Illini finished with 12 turnovers and shot just 26.9 percent from 3-point range … Illinois, which led 31-27 at the half, was previously 12-0 when holding a halftime lead.