INDIANAPOLIS — The title defense was short lived.
A Trent Frazier turnover — after a timeout — squandered Illinois’ chance to defend its Big Ten Tournament title. The Hoosiers gave No. 16 Illinois all it could handle, beating the top seeded Illini, 65-63, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The biggest reason why Illinois (22-9) was even in the game was Coleman Hawkins. Shooting struggles and scoring droughts plagued the Illini, but the near seven footer made a career high four triples for Illinois — finishing with a career high 18 points and adding a pair of steals.