Paul had two chances to extend the lead for the Illini (16-6, 5-4 Big Ten) but he missed the front end of 1-and-1s with 26 seconds and 11 seconds to play.
Michigan State's Derrick Nix had a chance to tie the game at 42 with 14 seconds left but he made one of two free throws. Keith Appling missed a driving shot with 2 seconds left, the final chance for the Spartans (17-5, 6-3).
Paul finished 6 of 17 from the field and Illinois shot 32.6 percent (15 of 46).
Branden Dawson had 12 points for the Spartans, who shot 24.1 percent (14 of 58).
Spartans forward Draymond Green left with a leg injury with just under 4 minutes to play after sitting most of the game with foul trouble.
