CHAMPAIGN — Illinois withstood a scoring drought that passed the six-minute mark in the first half, with leading scorer Malcolm Hill attempting just two shots and not making either of them.
In fact, the Illini even led at halftime Thursday night after Indiana turned it over eight times in the first 20 minutes and connected only sporadically from three-point range.
Illinois couldn’t withstand another shorter scoring drought to open the second half. Or Hill being smothered by Indiana’s defense and finishing with five points.
Not when Indiana was considerably more efficient offensively in the second half — particularly from three-point range.