Illinois blows out Syracuse in Big Ten/ACC challenge

Illinois’ Dain Dainja (42) works inside against Syracuse’s Jesse Edwards during the first half of Tuesday night’s game. (Michael Allio/AP)

CHAMPAIGN — Coleman Hawkins had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double, and No. 16 Illinois thumped Syracuse 73-44 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Tuesday night.

Neither team shot well, but Illinois (6-1) hit six of its 15 3-point attempts in the second half to send the Orange (3-4) home with their third straight loss.