Giveaways by Leifson after an apparent defensive rebound and Nick Emery with 25 seconds left while BYU trailed by three were killers. Illinois forward Maverick Morgan hit a jumper after Leifson's turnover and guard Tracy Abrams swiped a pass from Emery and got away with a travel — fitting since the game was played in an NBA arena — en route to the layup that gave the Illini a five-point lead with 21 seconds left.
"Really unfortunate that we had opportunities down the stretch, and we just didn't make plays we needed to make, and Illinois seemed to make some big plays," BYU coach Dave Rose said.