Illinois struggles late in loss to No. 16 Virginia

LAS VEGAS — Ahh, so shut once more.

No. 19 Illinois got here in following an upset of No. 8 UCLA, however its excellent begin to the season was halted Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas’ T-Cell Area within the Continental Tire Principal Occasion Championship, shedding to No. 16 Virginia 70-61.

The weekend-long event, which featured 4 top-20 groups, examined the new-look Illini (4-1) to the brim. Sadly, they simply didn’t do sufficient to return up on high.

In what we figured can be a back-and-forth affair, this title recreation didn’t disappoint. Up solely two factors at halftime, the Illini had been enjoying from behind in a lot of the second half. Freshman guard Jayden Epps and ahead Coleman Hawkins gave the Illini tremendous vital second-half contributions, however a late 13-0 Cavalier run was what in the end put them forward.

Epps appeared to be the distinction maker the Illini wanted, going for 14 factors on 6-of-13 capturing, that includes two HUGE three-pointers within the second half. Hawkins had his fair proportion of clutch baskets as nicely, scoring 10 factors (included two second-half three-pointers).

We noticed Hawkins go off in opposition to Jap Illinois within the first recreation of the season, however since then we had been questioning after we’d see him play like that once more. He did Sunday, however his contributions couldn’t get the job finished for the Illini. All of his 10 factors had been scored within the second half, however couldn’t ship any extra late.

On Friday in opposition to the Bruins, it was switch guard Terrence Shannon Jr. lighting it up (29 factors, 8 three-pointers), however he acquired off to a gradual begin in opposition to Virginia (4-0), taking 12 minutes to get his first bucket. He completed with 9 factors, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

Illinois’ protection additionally stepped up in opposition to the Cavs, often stingy on that finish of the courtroom themselves. The Illini held UVA to only 37% capturing within the first half and to a season-low 70 factors.

At the very least soccer nonetheless beat Virginia earlier this 12 months.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: Did you see the followers all weekend lengthy? UCLA and Baylor followers had been onerous to search out, and the ocean of orange and blue at T-Cell Area on Sunday was Illini O&B, not UVA. You may’t inform me that didn’t make a distinction for the blokes this weekend.

Simply have a look at these guys.

FRESHMAN IMPACT: These guys had been the massive distinction within the journey to Vegas. In Friday night time’s win, the Illini had their backs in opposition to the partitions at halftime, however Honest Harris got here in and, within the phrases of Fran Fraschilla, was a “pest” on protection. Jayden Epps — as we point out above — was an enormous affect off the bench like he has been all season, particularly on this one right this moment.

YOU GOTTA SEE THIS

Jayden Epps with the Andre Curbelo impression weaving by means of site visitors and ending on the rim.

TWEETS OF THE GAME

UVA STRONG

Clearly, what occurred on the courtroom this weekend for the Cavaliers has taken a backseat to what occurred per week in the past Sunday in Charlottesville — three present UVA soccer gamers had been killed and two others (together with one other present participant) had been injured in a capturing.

The college has arrange a UVA Robust Fund to help the neighborhood in these making an attempt instances. You’ll find a hyperlink to donate right here.

UP NEXT

Illinois returns to State Farm Heart this Friday night time in opposition to new Division I member Lindenwood (Missouri).

Tipoff is ready for 8 p.m. on BTN+.