Four MSU turnovers in the first three minutes allowed Illinois (15-6, 2-5) to open on an 8-0 run and swing the early momentum away from the Spartans on their home floor.

The Fighting Illini lived up to their perimeter shooting reputation in the half, netting two of their first three shots from beyond the arc. For the half, the team shot 5-of-14 (35.7 percent) from deep, while the Spartans were able to keep pace shooting 4-of-11 (36.4 percent).

A 3-point play starting with a gutsy layup by Harris was the start of a 8-2 run that let the Spartans claw back in the game. The run was highlighted by a lob pass from freshman guard Denzel Valentine that found junior center Adreian Payne in mid air who finished the play with a flushing dunk.

After a 3-pointer from Harris with 12:06 to play brought the game within one, the Illini proceeded to go on a 14-5 run to inflate the lead to 10 — a margin held several times in the half by Illinois.

The Illini finished the half on a 7-0 run to head into the locker room with a double digit lead.

Elsewhere, sophomore forward Alex Gauna got the start for his third time this season, replacing senior center Derrick Nix. Multiple outlets reported Nix was not given the start for allegedly “missing obligations” this week.

Nix checked in the game with 10:38 to play and had just two points in the half.