SPRINGFIELD — A fourth straight game trailing at halftime was cause for concern for Illinois after Saturday night’s 81-77 loss to Chattanooga at Prairie Capital Convention Center.
The Illini’s deficit at the break was just seven points, but it had been as many as 15 midway through the first half after the Mocs used an 11-2 run to start the game.
“They wanted to blow us out from the jump,” Illinois junior guard Malcolm Hills said. “We need to have that mentality. If we start playing the whole game like we’re down 15, we’ll be in business.