DES MOINES, Iowa — They almost did it again.
Thirty minutes into Thursday’s game, the Illini found themselves in familiar territory. Turnovers aplenty and horrid shooting put Illinois in a 17-point hole midway through the second half.
However, when facing a seemingly insurmountable lead, the Illini did what they’ve done countless times this season: fight back. Led by RJ Melendez’s 10-point burst, they cut the lead down to five with just over two minutes left.
Coleman Hawkins led the fast break looking to cut it down even further, but a chase-down steal by Davonte Davis resulted in Ricky Council IV flying to the rim and extending the lead.