Then it seemed Illinois might flip the script with a concerted interior effort in the second half against the Scarlet Knights – similar to how they pulled off a comeback win over Ohio State on Sunday.

Illinois men’s basketball suffered a loss to Rutgers on Wednesday, 82-73. The Illini trailed by 17 just over ten minutes into the game, but narrowed the deficit to just eight points at halftime. Illinois stormed back to take the lead with 13:06 left in the game.

A four minute resurgence from Illinois got them back in the game. From about the 16 and a half to 12 and a half minute mark, the Illini scored nine straight points, while holding the Scarlet Knights scoreless. Illinois took the lead for the first time since it was 2-0, going up by one, 48-47.

The Illini have lost four of six. Rutgers raced to a 23-6 lead, with Illinois taking its first lead at 48-47 with 13:06 to play. Illinois: The Illini were 6 of 28 from beyond the arc. They have not topped 30% in six straight games.

It just wouldn’t be Illinois sports without an emotional push and pull, right? In a game where Illinois started slow, played their best and then finished slow, the Illini fell 82-73 to Rutgers. The loss is Illinois’ worst in the NET rankings this season.