Illinois’ first loss of the basketball season is one to forget. After opening the year with tune-up wins vs. Jackson State and Arkansas State, the sloppy Illini failed to put the Golden Eagles away in the second half.

Illinois had appeared to overcome some sloppy moments and bad miscues to build an insurmountable lead. Just before the 10-minute mark of the second half, Coleman Hawkins hit a 3-pointer to put the Illini up 12 points at 58-46.

Unfortunately, that would not be enough. Illinois was outscored 21-8 the rest of the way with Trent Frazier getting stripped from behind with 20 seconds remaining. That led to the deciding go-ahead score for Marquette as Andre Curbelo turned the ball over as the clock ran out.

It was an uncharacteristic night for the Illini with 26 turnovers – including 7 by Curbelo. Frazier kept the team in it with a game-high 23 points on 7-for-15 shooting including 6-for-10 from 3-point range. Coleman Hawkins added 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Marquette’s leading scorer was a familiar face for B1G fans. Maryland transfer Darryl Morsell scored 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting for the Golden Eagles.