SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Malcolm Hill scored 25 points in Illinois' 81-77 loss to Chattanooga in Springfield on Saturday night.
The Fighting Illini overcame a 15-point deficit to control the second half and eventually lead by as many as nine points.
But the Mocs regained their hot three-point shooting down the stretch to put the game away.
Eric Robertson's 15 points led six Mocs in double figures.
Chattanooga (3-0) led by 12 shortly into the second before Hill led a 34-13 Illinois surge. The Illini (1-3) led 69-60 with 6:20 left.
Three Mocs made 3-pointers to take back the lead in the final minutes. Tre' McLean tied it with 2:45 left and Robertson's corner trey gave the visitors from the Southern Conference a lasting lead at 1:55.
The game is part of the Emerald Coast Classic, which concludes Friday and Saturday in Niceville, Fla.
Mike Thorne Jr. scored 18 for Illinois. Chuck Ester and Justin Tuoyo had 12 each for Chattanooga.
