After starting the game on the bench, Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Elias Harris had an outstanding first half with 12 points on 6-for-9 shooting against the Fighting Illini at KeyArena.
It just wasn't enough to overcome the team's seven turnovers and 0-for-8 3-point shooting for the Bulldogs and the Fighting Illini got out to a 34-28 halftime lead.
However what might be encouraging for Illinois and discouraging for Gonzaga is that while the Fighting Illini didn't get much out of their top players in the first half, the Bulldogs did have to rely on Harris just to stay within six points. Guard Brandon Paul led the Fighting Illini with 10 points.