Player of the game
Illinois guard Trent Frazier
Even in a loss, it’s hard to argue anyone played better than the Illini sophomore. Frazier put the Illini on his back in the second half and knocked down the key shots that got them back in the game as part of his game-high 29-point performance.
Backcourt
Illinois: B+
Gonzaga: C-
Frazier’s breakout second half — buoyed by 6 of 11 three-point shooting — kept the Illini in the game. So did forcing 22 Gonzaga turnovers, including seven by point guard Josh Perkins, who had three total in the Bulldogs’ previous three games.