PISCATAWAY, N.J. (WCIA) – Illinois men’s basketball suffered a loss to Rutgers on Wednesday, 82-73.

The Illini trailed by 17 just over ten minutes into the game, but narrowed the deficit to just eight points at halftime.

Illinois stormed back to take the lead with 13:06 left in the game. The Illini opened up a three point lead just past halfway through the second half, but Rutgers answered. The Scarlet Knights went on to open up a six point lead with 5:19 left to play.

Rutgers maintained the lead from there, holding a 73-67 lead with 2:26 left. The home team never surrendered the lead from there.

Will Riley led Illinois with 20 points, but Rutgers’ freshman Dylan Harper scored 25. The Illini shot 6-for-28 from three point land and turned the ball over 12 times. Kylan Boswell grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Illini were without starting junior guard Tre White. Plus, sophomore big man Tomislav Ivisic rolled his ankle early in the second half and was limited for the remainder of the game.

Underwood’s team has now lost four of its last six games.

Illinois falls to 15-8 overall and 7-6 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Illini return to action on Saturday at Minnesota.