The reigning Big East Player of the Year came into Tuesday night as a game-time decision due to an ankle injury, but he decided to give it a go. Underwood’s squad shot 6-for-19 from beyond the arc in the first half.Īnother big part of Illinois’ struggles was defending Tyler Kolek.

They failed to make a single three in the entire first half against Oakland, and those problems continued over into Tuesday night.

It was a big trend that plagued the Illini last year, and it’s rearing its ugly head once again in this early season. Illinois (2-1) did not take the lead back for the rest of the first half, and a big reason why was the three-point shot. Marquette (3-0) was scoreless in the first two minutes, but a 13-2 run put the Golden Eagles up early. They were better tonight.” HOW IT HAPPENED “Give them credit,” said head coach Brad Underwood. Illinois’ stagnant offense and big performances from Marquette’s Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones propelled the Golden Eagles to a 71-64 win. After wild offensive inconsistencies told the story for Brad Underwood’s squad last season, Illinois set out to change the narrative against fourth-ranked Marquette on Tuesday night at State Farm Center.

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