The game started off pretty solid between the Illini and the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame jumped out to a quick 8-4 lead but Illinois continued to keep it close. The Illini tied the game back up at 13-13 with 13:13 left in the first half.
When the 10-minute mark in the first half came around, Illinois had managed to grab a two-point lead 20-18. The game continued to go back and forth. Both teams were tied 25-25 with five minutes to go in the first half. Illinois started hitting some shots down the stretch, though, and took the lead at halftime, 35-34.