Then it seemed Illinois might flip the script with a concerted interior effort in the second half against the Scarlet Knights ...

The Mercyhurst Lakers will take on conference foe Chicago State. Thursday's matchup is the first of the season for the teams.

Dylan Harper returned to score 28 points, fellow freshman Ace Bailey added 18 points and 11 rebounds and Rutgers beat No. 23 Illinois 82-73 on Wednesday night.