SOUTH BEND, IND. — Illinois couldn't have drawn it up any better in the closing moments of Tuesday night's ACC/Big Ten Challenge showdown with Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish didn't appear too intent on closing out the nonconference men's basketball game with a late lead.
Missed free throws — a bunch of them — left the door open for the Illini. Trent Frazier tried to squeeze right through.
And for the second time in five games, Illinois' sophomore guard and go-to option in late-game situations nearly delivered. Nearly being the operative word.
Frazier's 25-footer rimmed out at the buzzer, putting an abrupt end to another Illini comeback attempt and giving Notre Dame a 76-74 victory.