Cyclone Hockey continued its poor play in American Collegiate Hockey Association games with a 3-1 loss to the University of Illinois on Nov. 14 at the University of Illinois Ice Arena.

The No. 14 Fighting Illini (11-5-0) put the pressure on the No. 12 Cyclones (6-7-3) early, out-shooting the road team 12-8. Cyclone goalie Matt Cooper was up to the task, stopping all 12 shots. Nobody could make anything of their chances, however, as the game remained scoreless going into the first intermission.

The Cyclones struck first in the second period with a power play goal from Matt Szpak to give them the first lead of the game. Illinois struck back in the form of a Tadayoshi Shibata goal with just under nine minutes remaining in the period. The score would hold at 1-1 into the intermission.

In the third period, the Fighting Illini broke the tie to grab their first lead of the game. Illinois would extend its lead to two after a goal on a 2-on-1 opportunity, securing the win.

Cyclone Hockey will be right back to action with a chance to split the series at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the University of Illinois Ice Arena.