Zvonimir Ivisic's dunk on a lob from D.J. Wagner gave Arkansas its first points at the 16:02 mark of the first half. Illinois went ahead 21-6 on a three-pointer by Ben Humrichous, forcing Arkansas coach John Calipari to take a timeout with 12:36 to play before halftime. The Razorbacks were competitive from there, but the damage was done.

Nov 22, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the second half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images / Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Illinois showed that they are once again a legit threat in the Big Ten with this victory. Arkansas is expected to be a solid team this season, and the Fighting Illini made easy work of the Razorbacks on a neutral court as the two teams battled it out in Kansas City.