The Spartans first half deficit against the Illini would prove to be insurmountable. A slow first half offensively put the Spartans down by 12 going into the second half. With a strong late performance by the Spartans and especially by  Tyson Walker the Spartans were able to bring the game withing one score on multiple occasions. However, the Illini hit clutch shots to win the game 79-74 in the end.