No. 4 Marquette beats No. 23 Illinois 71-64 behind 24 points from Tyler Kolek
CHAMPAIGN - Tyler Kolek shook off an ankle injury to score 24 points and No. 4 Marquette beat No. 23 Illinois 71-64 on Tuesday night.
The reigning Big East player of the year, Kolek added 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Kam Jones scored 15 for the Golden Eagles (3-0), and Oso Ighodaro had 13 points and 8 rebounds.
Kolek turned his ankle in Friday night's 95-65 win over Rider and left the court with just under eight minutes left. He did not return.
Terrence Shannon Jr. had 21 points for Illinois (2-1). It was his 13th consecutive game in double figures, a streak that dates to Jan. 31.
Marcus Domask added 18 points and Luke Goode had 13. Quincy Guerrier didn't score but grabbed 10 rebounds for the Fighting Illini.
A 3-pointer by Sean Jones put Marquette ahead 57-52 with 8:27 left. Illinois climbed within four twice after that, but couldn't get any closer.
Marquette led 36-31 at halftime behind Kolek's 14 points. He shot 7 of 11 from the field in the first 20 minutes.
The Illini stayed close in the first half by making a six 3s, including three by Goode.
Marquette started slowly, missing its first four shots - including two layups - and two free throws.
The matchup was part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games, an annual early-season series between Big East and Big Ten teams.