Alfonso Plummer and Jacob Grandison scored 21 apiece to give the Illini a spotless conference record two games into the Big Ten slate in a 87-83 win over Iowa.
A sleepy start saw the Hawks staring down the barrel of a 10-point deficit around seven minutes into the matchup. Then a lineup change slammed the door shut on the Illini, as the backups surged Iowa to a 21-2 Iowa run and a 9-point lead.
Tony Perkins was instrumental during this stretch, notching 11 points and a steal.
The lead would dissipate quickly, however. This gassed group likely stayed on about a minute too long, and turned around to allow the Illini a 12-3 run of its own, to help make it a 39-36 Illinois advantage at the break.