Xavier players and head coach Travis Steele discuss the team's 83-74 win over Illinois in the final Cincinnati Enquirer
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 Wednesday in the third and final round at the Lahaina Civic Center.
For the first time this season, Xavier built a second-half lead (on its 43-41 halftime lead) and kept its foot on the gas pedal, pulling away from the Fighting Illini in a way that should inspire confidence.