Illinois stays close in first half, but loses to Marquette
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Tyler Kolek shook off an ankle injury to score 24 points and No. 4 Marquette beat No. 23 Illinois 71-64 on Tuesday night.
The reigning Big East player of the year, Kolek added six rebounds and four assists. Kam Jones scored 15 for the Golden Eagles (3-0), and Oso Ighodaro had 13 points and eight rebounds.
Kolek turned his ankle in Friday night's 95-65 win over Rider and left the court with just under eight minutes left. He did not return.
Terrence Shannon Jr. had 21 points for Illinois (2-1). It was his 13th consecutive game in double figures, a streak that dates to Jan. 31.
Marcus Domask added 18 points and Luke Goode had 13. Quincy Guerrier didn't score, but grabbed 10 rebounds for the Fighting Illini.
A 3-pointer by Sean Jones put Marquette ahead 57-52 with 8:27 left. Illinois climbed within four twice after that, but couldn't get any closer.
Marquette led 36-31 at halftime behind Kolek's 14 points. He shot 7 of 11 from the field in the first 20 minutes.
The Illini stayed close in the first half by making a six 3s, including three by Goode.
Marquette started slowly, missing its first four shots — including two layups — and two free throws.
The matchup was part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games, an annual early-season series between Big East and Big Ten teams.
BIG PICTURE
In the first true test for both teams, Marquette took advantage of 15 Illinois turnovers to win its initial road game of the season.
UP NEXT
Marquette: The Golden Eagles head to Hawaii to compete in the Maui Invitational with four other nationally ranked programs in the eight-team field. They'll open against UCLA on Monday and could face No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday.
Illinois: Continues its season-opening six-game homestand Friday against Valparaiso.