Illinois is duking out vs. No. 11 Arizona in a key non-conference clash. The Illini faced an opportunity to carry a commanding lead into halftime after erasing an early deficit, but Brad Underwood’s squad still managed to take a 42-38 lead into the break.

Arizona entered the game a perfect 8-0 with early-season wins over Wichita State, Michigan, and Washington. Illinois enters at 7-2, though the Illini have been 5-0 at home.

Starting point guard Andre Curbelo continues to be sidelined for Illinois but it was the shooting of Trent Frazier and Alphonso Plummer that swung the first half. It was particularly Frazier’s play during a huge 19-0 run for the Illini that gave Illinois the lead.

At the break, Plummer and Frazier have combined for 30 of Illinois’ 42 total points. The duo combined to shoot 6-for-15 from 3-point range. Kofi Cockburn also has 6 points and 8 rebounds heading to halftime.

Arizona was limited to 39% shooting (16-for-42), which has been the key to the first half. The rebound battle and turnover battles have been fairly even throughout the game.

Be sure to catch the second half of action on FOX.