Feb 16, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Pete Nance (22) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) during the first half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
In a tale of two halves, the Illinois basketball team was able to walk away victorious against in-state rival Northwestern, 73-66.
The Illini looked really good in the first half of this game, and that’s how a top-five team should play against inferior opponents at home.
But it’s the Big Ten and anything can happen. What seemed like a nice 12-point lead at the half turned into a little bit of a scare for Illinois fans.