| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Donald Clemmons (fresh) 3 ast. SG - Donald Johnson (fresh) 7 pts. SF - Sherman Monette (fresh) 4 pts. 1 ast. PF - Nicholas McGlothen (fresh) 3 pts. C - Claude Gales (fresh) 6 pts. 5 reb. | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Michael Bissonnette (fresh) 4 ast. SG - John Soliz (fresh) 4 pts. 1 ast. SF - Tyrone Brown (fresh) 5 pts. 2 reb. 2 stl. PF - James Hull (fresh) 4 pts. 4 reb. C - David Brister (fresh) 2 reb. | |
| 20:00 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette inbounds the ball | 38-28 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a motion offense (uptempo) and a fullcourt press (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a motion offense (slowdown) and a 3-2 zone (-1) | |
| 19:48 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette drills a jumper in the paint set up by Donald Clemmons | 40-28 |
| 19:46 | Illinois | John Soliz is hacked by Claude Gales in the backcourt - foul #2 on Claude Gales, team foul #1 | 40-28 |
| 19:33 | Illinois | Nicholas McGlothen is called for the reach on Tyrone Brown - foul #2 on Nicholas McGlothen, team foul #2 | 40-28 |
| 19:18 | Illinois | James Hull connects on the jumper in the lane | 40-30 |
| 19:06 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson shoots over the doubleteam but comes up short on the fadeaway from the right wing | 40-30 |
| 19:04 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette pulls down the rebound | 40-30 |
| 18:46 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown is fouled on the floor by Sherman Monette - foul #2 on Sherman Monette, team foul #3 | 40-30 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Leonard Reynolds (PF) Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 18:20 | Illinois | James Hull dunks the ball set up by Tyrone Brown | 40-32 |
| 18:15 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons scores on a jumpshot from the right side | 42-32 |
| 17:48 | Illinois | John Soliz comes up short on the pull-up jumper from the free throw line | 42-32 |
| 17:46 | Illinois | James Hull misses the tip | 42-32 |
| 17:45 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette grabs the offensive rebound | 42-32 |
| 17:34 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown is called for the offensive foul - foul #1 on Tyrone Brown, team foul #1 | 42-32 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas King (PG), Dingbang Chinn (SG), George Goldberg (SF), Nicholas McGlothen (PF), Joseph Ellington (C) Donald Clemmons, Donald Johnson, Sherman Monette, Leonard Reynolds, Claude Gales | |
| Subs | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson (SF), Jamie Bellinger (PF), Dennis Murray (C) Tyrone Brown, James Hull, David Brister | |
| 17:27 | Western Michigan | Jamie Bellinger is called for the reach on George Goldberg - foul #2 on Jamie Bellinger, team foul #2 | 42-32 |
| 17:19 | Western Michigan | George Goldberg can't connect on a 3pt shot from the right corner | 42-32 |
| 17:17 | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen snags the offensive board | 42-32 |
| 17:07 | Western Michigan | George Goldberg hits the front of the rim on the 3 from straight away | 42-32 |
| 17:05 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger grabs the defensive rebound | 42-32 |
| 16:47 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger dunks the ball on a nice dish by Michael Bissonnette | 42-34 |
| 16:24 | Western Michigan | Dingbang Chinn's pass is off the mark and out of bounds | 42-34 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Leonard Reynolds (PF) Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 15:56 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette comes up short on the jump hook from close range | 42-34 |
| 15:55 | Illinois | Dennis Murray grabs the offensive board | 42-34 |
| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Nicholas King (fairly fresh) 3 pts. SG - Dingbang Chinn (fairly fresh) 1 ast. SF - George Goldberg (fairly fresh) 6 pts. PF - Leonard Reynolds (fresh) 4 pts. 2 reb. C - Joseph Ellington (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 2 reb. | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Michael Bissonnette (fairly fresh) 5 ast. SG - John Soliz (tiring) 4 pts. 1 ast. SF - Brian Wilkinson (fresh) 6 pts. PF - Jamie Bellinger (fresh) 5 pts. 5 reb. C - Dennis Murray (fairly fresh) 6 pts. 3 reb. | |
| 15:34 | Illinois | Joseph Ellington picks off the pass by Dennis Murray | 42-34 |
| 15:16 | Western Michigan | George Goldberg misses short on a 3pt attempt from straight away | 42-34 |
| 15:15 | Illinois | John Soliz snags the defensive board | 42-34 |
| 14:52 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger misses the fadeaway jumper from the left wing | 42-34 |
| 14:50 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger tips it in | 42-36 |
| 14:40 | Western Michigan | Nicholas King misses long on a jumper in the lane | 42-36 |
| 14:38 | Illinois | The rebound goes to John Soliz | 42-36 |
| 14:20 | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson makes the wide open shot from the left block and he's hacked by Nicholas King - foul #3 on Nicholas King, team foul #4 | 42-38 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons (PG), Donald Johnson (SG), Sherman Monette (SF), Nicholas McGlothen (PF), Claude Gales (C) Nicholas King, Dingbang Chinn, George Goldberg, Leonard Reynolds, Joseph Ellington | |
| Subs | Illinois | Alfred Grant (PG), Tyrone Brown (SG), James Hull (PF), David Brister (C) Michael Bissonnette, John Soliz, Jamie Bellinger, Dennis Murray | |
| 14:20 | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson makes the free throw | 42-39 |
| 14:01 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette misses badly on a pull-up jumper from just outside the lane | 42-39 |
| 14:00 | Illinois | The rebound goes to David Brister | 42-39 |
| 13:40 | Illinois | David Brister misses long on a fadeaway near the basket but he's fouled by Nicholas McGlothen - foul #3 on Nicholas McGlothen, team foul #5 | 42-39 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | | |
| Subs | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette (PG) Brian Wilkinson | |
| 13:40 | Illinois | David Brister misses the 1st free throw | 42-39 |
| 13:40 | Illinois | David Brister makes the 2nd free throw | 42-40 |
| 13:31 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson is fouled on the floor by David Brister - foul #2 on David Brister, team foul #3 | 42-40 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | George Burns (PF) Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 13:24 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons misses badly on a fadeaway from the right side | 42-40 |
| 13:22 | Illinois | Alfred Grant grabs the defensive rebound | 42-40 |
| 12:58 | Illinois | David Brister scores on a driving attempt from the right block set up by Tyrone Brown | 42-42 |
| 12:45 | Western Michigan | George Burns's floater is tipped away by James Hull | 42-42 |
| 12:43 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales hits the follow up shot | 44-42 |
| 12:41 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette is fouled in the backcourt by Claude Gales - foul #3 on Claude Gales, team foul #6 | 44-42 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel (SF) Sherman Monette | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 12:16 | Illinois | James Hull misses long on a fadeaway from close range but he's fouled by George Burns - foul #2 on George Burns, team foul #7 | 44-42 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen (PF) George Burns | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 12:16 | Illinois | James Hull makes the 1st free throw | 44-43 |
| 12:16 | Illinois | James Hull makes the 2nd free throw | 44-44 |
| 12:07 | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel is hacked by Alfred Grant - foul #4 on Alfred Grant, team foul #4 | 44-44 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette (SF) Donald Clemmons | |
| Subs | Illinois | John Soliz (SG) Alfred Grant | |
| 11:51 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales drills a jumpshot from the right wing | 46-44 |
| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Robert O'Connel (fresh) SG - Donald Johnson (fairly fresh) 7 pts. SF - Sherman Monette (fresh) 6 pts. 1 ast. PF - Nicholas McGlothen (fresh) 3 pts. 2 reb. 3 pf. C - Claude Gales (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 6 reb. 3 pf. | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Michael Bissonnette (tiring) 5 ast. SG - John Soliz (tiring) 4 pts. 1 ast. SF - Tyrone Brown (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 2 reb. 2 stl. PF - James Hull (fairly fresh) 10 pts. 5 reb. 2 blk. C - David Brister (fairly fresh) 3 pts. 3 reb. | |
| 11:36 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown dunks the ball on a great pass from James Hull | 46-46 |
| 11:29 | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel comes up short on the 3pt jumper from the right wing | 46-46 |
| 11:27 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown grabs the board | 46-46 |
| 11:01 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown hits a floater in the paint set up by Michael Bissonnette | 46-48 |
| 10:47 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson misses long on a shot from the free throw line | 46-48 |
| 10:45 | Illinois | David Brister grabs the defensive rebound | 46-48 |
| 10:37 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown can't connect on a pull-up jumper from the right side | 46-48 |
| 10:36 | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel gets the rebound | 46-48 |
| 10:23 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson hits the front of the rim on the 3pt shot from the left wing | 46-48 |
| 10:21 | Illinois | David Brister grabs the defensive rebound | 46-48 |
| 10:04 | Illinois | James Hull slams it home on a nice dish by David Brister | 46-50 |
| 09:55 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson loses the ball out of bounds | 46-50 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons (PG), Dingbang Chinn (SG), George Goldberg (SF), Leonard Reynolds (PF), Joseph Ellington (C) Robert O'Connel, Donald Johnson, Sherman Monette, Nicholas McGlothen, Claude Gales | |
| Subs | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson (SF), Jamie Bellinger (PF), Dennis Murray (C) Tyrone Brown, James Hull, David Brister | |
| 09:36 | Illinois | Dennis Murray clanks a runner in the lane | 46-50 |
| 09:34 | Western Michigan | The rebound goes to Joseph Ellington | 46-50 |
| 09:26 | Western Michigan | George Goldberg is hacked by Brian Wilkinson - foul #1 on Brian Wilkinson, team foul #5 | 46-50 |
| 09:06 | Western Michigan | Jamie Bellinger steps in front of the Leonard Reynolds pass | 46-50 |
| 08:47 | Illinois | Dennis Murray lays it in on a great pass from Michael Bissonnette and he's hacked by George Goldberg - foul #2 on George Goldberg, team foul #8 | 46-52 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson (SG), George Burns (C) Dingbang Chinn, Joseph Ellington | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 08:47 | Illinois | Dennis Murray makes the free throw | 46-53 |
| 08:31 | Western Michigan | George Goldberg hits the front of the rim on the wide open floater from the free throw line | 46-53 |
| 08:30 | Illinois | John Soliz grabs the defensive rebound | 46-53 |
| 08:10 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger banks in the layup | 46-55 |
| 08:04 | Western Michigan | George Goldberg hits a 3 from the left corner on a nice dish by George Burns | 49-55 |
| 08:01 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette is whistled for a carry in the backcourt | 49-55 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas King (PG), Robert O'Connel (SG), Sherman Monette (SF), Nicholas McGlothen (PF) Donald Clemmons, Donald Johnson, George Goldberg, Leonard Reynolds | |
| Subs | Illinois | Tyrone Brown (SF), James Hull (PF) Brian Wilkinson, Jamie Bellinger | |
| 07:49 | Western Michigan | Dennis Murray is called for the reach on Nicholas King - foul #2 on Dennis Murray, team foul #6 | 49-55 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | | |
| Subs | Illinois | Alfred Grant (SG), David Brister (C) John Soliz, Dennis Murray | |
| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Nicholas King (fresh) 3 pts. 3 pf. SG - Robert O'Connel (fresh) SF - Sherman Monette (fairly fresh) 6 pts. 1 ast. PF - Nicholas McGlothen (fairly fresh) 3 pts. 2 reb. 3 pf. C - George Burns (fresh) | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Michael Bissonnette (tired) 7 ast. SG - Alfred Grant (fresh) 4 pf. SF - Tyrone Brown (fairly fresh) 9 pts. 3 reb. 2 stl. PF - James Hull (fairly fresh) 12 pts. 5 reb. 2 blk. C - David Brister (fairly fresh) 3 pts. 5 reb. | |
| 07:41 | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel connects on the 3pt attempt from the right wing | 52-55 |
| 07:15 | Illinois | James Hull connects on the jump hook near the basket | 52-57 |
| 07:08 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette hits the front of the rim on the pull-up jumper from the right side | 52-57 |
| 07:06 | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen pulls down the offensive rebound | 52-57 |
| 07:01 | Western Michigan | Nicholas King hits the front of the rim on the fadeaway jumper from the left wing but he's hacked by David Brister - foul #3 on David Brister, team foul #7 | 52-57 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Joseph Ellington (C) George Burns | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 07:01 | Western Michigan | Nicholas King misses the 1st free throw | 52-57 |
| 07:01 | Western Michigan | Nicholas King makes the 2nd free throw | 53-57 |
| 06:41 | Illinois | James Hull misses the easy layup | 53-57 |
| 06:39 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette gets the rebound | 53-57 |
| 06:35 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette is hacked by Tyrone Brown - foul #2 on Tyrone Brown, team foul #8 | 53-57 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons (PG), Dingbang Chinn (SG), Leonard Reynolds (PF) Nicholas King, Robert O'Connel, Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger (C) David Brister | |
| 06:35 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette makes the 1st free throw | 54-57 |
| 06:35 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette makes the 2nd free throw | 55-57 |
| 06:10 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the floater from the left side and he's hacked by Joseph Ellington - foul #3 on Joseph Ellington, team foul #9 | 55-59 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | George Goldberg (SF), Claude Gales (C) Sherman Monette, Joseph Ellington | |
| Subs | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson (SF), Dennis Murray (C) Michael Bissonnette, James Hull | |
| 06:10 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the free throw | 55-60 |
| 06:00 | Western Michigan | Dingbang Chinn's pass is intercepted by Brian Wilkinson | 55-60 |
| 05:57 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown loses the dribble to Donald Clemmons in the backcourt | 55-60 |
| 05:41 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales's layup is rejected by Dennis Murray | 55-60 |
| 05:39 | Western Michigan | Leonard Reynolds misses the tip | 55-60 |
| 05:38 | Illinois | The rebound goes to Dennis Murray | 55-60 |
| 05:20 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown misses the driving attempt in the lane | 55-60 |
| 05:19 | Western Michigan | Leonard Reynolds pulls down the rebound | 55-60 |
| 05:02 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons scores on a jumper from the free throw line on a nice dish by George Goldberg | 57-60 |
| 04:42 | Illinois | Dennis Murray double dribbles | 57-60 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas King (PG), Donald Johnson (SG), Robert O'Connel (SF), Nicholas McGlothen (PF), Joseph Ellington (C) Donald Clemmons, Dingbang Chinn, George Goldberg, Leonard Reynolds, Claude Gales | |
| Subs | Illinois | John Soliz (SG), James Hull (PF), David Brister (C) Tyrone Brown, Jamie Bellinger, Dennis Murray | |
| 04:28 | Western Michigan | Nicholas King is whistled for traveling | 57-60 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | George Burns (PF) Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 04:08 | Illinois | David Brister makes the turnaround near the basket on a great pass from James Hull | 57-62 |
| 03:59 | Western Michigan | Joseph Ellington jams it on a great pass from George Burns and the foul's on David Brister - foul #4 on David Brister, team foul #9 | 59-62 |
| 03:59 | Western Michigan | Joseph Ellington makes the free throw | 60-62 |
| 03:54 | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson is called for the offensive foul in the backcourt - foul #2 on Brian Wilkinson, team foul #10 | 60-62 |
| 03:48 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson comes up short on the 3 pointer from the right wing | 60-62 |
| 03:46 | Illinois | James Hull snags the defensive board | 60-62 |
| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Nicholas King (fresh) 4 pts. 3 pf. SG - Donald Johnson (fresh) 7 pts. SF - Robert O'Connel (fresh) 3 pts. PF - George Burns (fairly fresh) C - Joseph Ellington (fresh) 8 pts. 3 reb. 2 stl. 3 pf. | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Alfred Grant (tiring) 4 pf. SG - John Soliz (tiring) 4 pts. 1 ast. SF - Brian Wilkinson (fairly fresh) 9 pts. PF - James Hull (fairly fresh) 14 pts. 6 reb. 2 blk. C - David Brister (tiring) 5 pts. 5 reb. 4 pf. | |
| 03:42 | Illinois | Nicholas King is called for the reach on Alfred Grant in the backcourt - foul #4 on Nicholas King, team foul #10 | 60-62 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen (PF) George Burns | |
| Subs | Illinois | Tyrone Brown (SF) Brian Wilkinson | |
| 03:42 | Illinois | Alfred Grant makes the 1st free throw | 60-63 |
| 03:42 | Illinois | Alfred Grant makes the 2nd free throw | 60-64 |
| 03:35 | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel misses short on a 3pt shot from the left corner | 60-64 |
| 03:34 | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen snags the offensive board | 60-64 |
| 03:23 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson connects on the 3 pointer from the left wing | 63-64 |
| 03:00 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown misses badly on a floater from close range but the foul's on Joseph Ellington - foul #4 on Joseph Ellington, team foul #11 | 63-64 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons (PG), Claude Gales (C) Nicholas King, Joseph Ellington | |
| Subs | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette (PG), Dennis Murray (C) John Soliz, David Brister | |
| 03:00 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 1st free throw | 63-65 |
| 03:00 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 2nd free throw | 63-66 |
| 02:50 | Western Michigan | Robert O'Connel is open and buries a 3pt attempt from the right wing | 66-66 |
| 02:32 | Illinois | Dennis Murray misses the floater from the left wing | 66-66 |
| 02:30 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales pulls down the rebound | 66-66 |
| 02:17 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales banks in the layup and he's hacked by Tyrone Brown - foul #3 on Tyrone Brown, team foul #11 | 68-66 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette (SF), George Burns (PF) Robert O'Connel, Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson (SF), Jamie Bellinger (PF) Tyrone Brown, James Hull | |
| 02:17 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales misses the free throw | 68-66 |
| 02:17 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger grabs the defensive rebound | 68-66 |
| 01:48 | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson scores on a jumper from the left side set up by Alfred Grant | 68-68 |
| 01:36 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette comes up short on the pull-up jumper from just outside the lane | 68-68 |
| 01:35 | Illinois | Dennis Murray grabs the board | 68-68 |
| 01:07 | Illinois | Alfred Grant is hacked by Donald Johnson - foul #1 on Donald Johnson, team foul #12 | 68-68 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen (PF) George Burns | |
| Subs | Illinois | Tyrone Brown (SF), James Hull (PF), David Brister (C) Brian Wilkinson, Jamie Bellinger, Dennis Murray | |
| 01:07 | Illinois | Alfred Grant misses the 1st free throw | 68-68 |
| 01:07 | Illinois | Alfred Grant misses the 2nd free throw | 68-68 |
| 01:07 | Western Michigan | The rebound goes to Claude Gales | 68-68 |
| 00:51 | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen is called for the illegal screen - foul #4 on Nicholas McGlothen, team foul #13 | 68-68 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | | |
| Subs | Illinois | John Soliz (SG) Alfred Grant | |
| 00:23 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown comes up short on the shot in the lane | 68-68 |
| 00:22 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson snags the defensive board | 68-68 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a fullcourt press (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a motion offense (slowdown) and a 3-2 zone (-1) | |
| 00:04 | Western Michigan | David Brister denies the turnaround by Sherman Monette | 68-68 |
| 00:03 | Illinois | John Soliz gets the rebound | 68-68 |
| 00:03 | Illinois | Illinois calls a :30 timeout (1 :30 4 full remaining) | 68-68 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a fullcourt press (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and a 3-2 zone (-1) | |
| 00:00 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette comes up short on the halfcourt shot | 68-68 |
| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Donald Clemmons (fresh) 4 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SG - Donald Johnson (fresh) 10 pts. SF - Sherman Monette (fresh) 8 pts. 1 ast. PF - Nicholas McGlothen (fairly fresh) 3 pts. 4 reb. 4 pf. C - Claude Gales (fresh) 12 pts. 8 reb. 3 pf. | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Michael Bissonnette (tired) 7 ast. SG - John Soliz (tiring) 4 pts. 1 ast. SF - Tyrone Brown (fairly fresh) 14 pts. 3 reb. 2 stl. 3 pf. PF - James Hull (fairly fresh) 14 pts. 6 reb. 2 blk. C - David Brister (fairly fresh) 5 pts. 5 reb. 4 pf. | |
| 05:00 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales wins the tip | 68-68 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a motion offense (uptempo) and a fullcourt press (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a motion offense (slowdown) and a 3-2 zone (-1) | |
| 04:41 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales knocks in the shot from the right block on a great pass from Nicholas McGlothen | 70-68 |
| 04:29 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown buries a runner from the left block on a great pass from Michael Bissonnette | 70-70 |
| 04:21 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson banks in the layup and he's hacked by David Brister - foul #5 on David Brister, team foul #12 | 72-70 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Leonard Reynolds (PF) Nicholas McGlothen | |
| Subs | Illinois | Alfred Grant (SG), Brian Wilkinson (SF), Jamie Bellinger (PF), Dennis Murray (C) Michael Bissonnette, Tyrone Brown, James Hull, David Brister | |
| 04:21 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson makes the free throw | 73-70 |
| 04:18 | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson is whistled for traveling in the backcourt | 73-70 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Dingbang Chinn (SG) Donald Johnson | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 04:13 | Western Michigan | Brian Wilkinson steals the ball from Claude Gales | 73-70 |
| 03:44 | Illinois | Alfred Grant knocks in the pull-up jumper from the right side | 73-72 |
| 03:23 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons is called for traveling | 73-72 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas King (PG), George Goldberg (SF), Joseph Ellington (C) Donald Clemmons, Sherman Monette, Claude Gales | |
| Subs | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette (PG) John Soliz | |
| 03:20 | Illinois | George Goldberg picks off the pass by Alfred Grant in the backcourt | 73-72 |
| 03:15 | Western Michigan | Joseph Ellington loses the dribble to Dennis Murray | 73-72 |
| 02:46 | Illinois | Dennis Murray is open but comes up short on the jumper from the right block | 73-72 |
| 02:44 | Illinois | Jamie Bellinger grabs the offensive board | 73-72 |
| 02:44 | Illinois | Illinois calls a full timeout (1 :30 4 full remaining) | 73-72 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons (PG), Donald Johnson (SG), Sherman Monette (SF), Claude Gales (C) Nicholas King, Dingbang Chinn, George Goldberg, Joseph Ellington | |
| Subs | Illinois | John Soliz (SG), James Hull (PF) Alfred Grant, Jamie Bellinger | |
| 02:26 | Illinois | John Soliz misses short on a fadeaway from the left side but the foul's on Claude Gales - foul #4 on Claude Gales, team foul #14 | 73-72 |
| 02:26 | Illinois | John Soliz makes the 1st free throw | 73-73 |
| 02:26 | Illinois | John Soliz makes the 2nd free throw | 73-74 |
| 02:14 | Western Michigan | Brian Wilkinson steps in front of the Claude Gales pass | 73-74 |
| 02:09 | Illinois | James Hull throws it down on a nice dish by Brian Wilkinson | 73-76 |
| 01:52 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales comes up short on the fadeaway in the paint | 73-76 |
| 01:51 | Illinois | The rebound goes to James Hull | 73-76 |
| 01:51 | Illinois | Illinois calls a full timeout (1 :30 3 full remaining) | 73-76 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas McGlothen (PF) Leonard Reynolds | |
| Subs | Illinois | Tyrone Brown (SF) Brian Wilkinson | |
| 01:49 | Illinois | John Soliz is hacked by Donald Clemmons in the backcourt - foul #1 on Donald Clemmons, team foul #15 | 73-76 |
| 01:49 | Illinois | John Soliz makes the 1st free throw | 73-77 |
| 01:49 | Illinois | John Soliz makes the 2nd free throw | 73-78 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a motion offense (uptempo) and a fullcourt press (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a motion offense (slowdown) and a 3-2 zone (+2) | |
| 01:27 | Western Michigan | James Hull blocks the short jumper by Donald Clemmons | 73-78 |
| 01:26 | Illinois | James Hull gets the rebound | 73-78 |
| 00:58 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown drills a jumper from the left wing set up by Michael Bissonnette | 73-80 |
| Lineup | Western Michigan | PG - Donald Clemmons (fresh) 4 pts. 4 ast. 2 stl. SG - Donald Johnson (fresh) 13 pts. SF - Sherman Monette (fresh) 8 pts. 1 ast. PF - Nicholas McGlothen (fresh) 3 pts. 4 reb. 4 pf. C - Claude Gales (fresh) 14 pts. 8 reb. 4 pf. | |
| Lineup | Illinois | PG - Michael Bissonnette (tired) 9 ast. SG - John Soliz (tiring) 8 pts. 1 ast. SF - Tyrone Brown (fresh) 18 pts. 3 reb. 2 stl. 3 pf. PF - James Hull (fresh) 16 pts. 8 reb. 3 blk. C - Dennis Murray (fresh) 9 pts. 5 reb. | |
| 00:42 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette buries a runner from the left block on a nice dish by Donald Clemmons and he's fouled by Dennis Murray - foul #3 on Dennis Murray, team foul #13 | 75-80 |
| 00:42 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette makes the free throw | 76-80 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a motion offense (uptempo) and intentionally fouling (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 3-2 zone (+2) | |
| 00:40 | Illinois | John Soliz is hacked by Donald Clemmons in the backcourt - foul #2 on Donald Clemmons, team foul #16 | 76-80 |
| 00:40 | Illinois | John Soliz makes the 1st free throw | 76-81 |
| 00:40 | Illinois | John Soliz misses the 2nd free throw | 76-81 |
| 00:40 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales pulls down the rebound | 76-81 |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and intentionally fouling (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 3-2 zone (+2) | |
| 00:35 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons misses long on a runner from close range but he's hacked by Michael Bissonnette - foul #3 on Michael Bissonnette, team foul #14 | 76-81 |
| 00:35 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons makes the 1st free throw | 77-81 |
| 00:35 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons makes the 2nd free throw | 78-81 |
| 00:34 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown is fouled in the backcourt by Donald Clemmons - foul #3 on Donald Clemmons, team foul #17 | 78-81 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | | |
| Subs | Illinois | Brian Wilkinson (PF) James Hull | |
| 00:34 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 1st free throw | 78-82 |
| 00:34 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 2nd free throw | 78-83 |
| 00:29 | Western Michigan | Sherman Monette's floater is tipped away by Dennis Murray | 78-83 |
| 00:28 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales grabs the offensive rebound | 78-83 |
| 00:26 | Western Michigan | Donald Clemmons can't connect on a jumpshot from the left side | 78-83 |
| 00:25 | Illinois | The rebound goes to Michael Bissonnette | 78-83 |
| 00:25 | Illinois | Illinois calls a full timeout (1 :30 2 full remaining) | 78-83 |
| 00:24 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown is fouled in the backcourt by Donald Clemmons - foul #4 on Donald Clemmons, team foul #18 | 78-83 |
| 00:24 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown misses the 1st free throw | 78-83 |
| 00:24 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 2nd free throw | 78-84 |
| 00:18 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson clanks a 3 pointer from the right wing | 78-84 |
| 00:17 | Western Michigan | Claude Gales gets the offensive rebound | 78-84 |
| 00:13 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson can't connect on a 3pt attempt from straight away | 78-84 |
| 00:12 | Illinois | The rebound goes to Dennis Murray | 78-84 |
| 00:12 | Illinois | Illinois calls a full timeout (1 :30 1 full remaining) | 78-84 |
| 00:10 | Illinois | Donald Clemmons is called for the reach on Tyrone Brown in the backcourt - foul #5 on Donald Clemmons, team foul #19 | 78-84 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | Nicholas King (PG) Donald Clemmons | |
| Subs | Illinois | | |
| 00:10 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 1st free throw | 78-85 |
| 00:10 | Illinois | Tyrone Brown makes the 2nd free throw | 78-86 |
| 00:06 | Western Michigan | Donald Johnson's pass is off the mark and out of bounds | 78-86 |
| Subs | Western Michigan | | |
| Subs | Illinois | James Hull (PF) Brian Wilkinson | |
| Game Plan | Western Michigan | Western Michigan is playing a quick shot offense (quick shot) and a fullcourt press (+1) | |
| Game Plan | Illinois | Illinois is playing a spread offense (hold ball) and a 3-2 zone (+2) | |
| 00:00 | Illinois | Michael Bissonnette runs out the clock | 78-86 |