MAUI – Paradise wasn't lost.
Xavier found it, just in time.
Instead of flying home from the Maui Jim Maui Invitational with a four-game losing streak, the Musketeers will head home with a little pep in their step after an 83-74 win over Illinois in the third and final round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center.
For the first time this season, Xavier built a second-half lead -- after a narrow 43-41 halftime lead -- and kept their foot on the gas pedal, pulling away from the Fighting Illini in a way that should inspire confidence.