A late 7-0 run cost the Commodores (1-1) their first loss on Thursday night, falling to Illinois (3-0) 69-63. The setback snapped a 20-game home winning streak for Vanderbilt dating back to March of 2007.

Though the Illini only shot 37 percent on the night, they seemed to hit shots when it mattered most. Illini sophomore Demetri McCarmey torched Vanderbilt for 23 points, with several shot-clock beaters and a three pointer to beat the halftime buzzer. Trent Meacham also added 14 points.

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings cited second-chances given by offensive rebounds plagued the Commodore defensive effort.

"We tried hard, but to hold them to 37 percent and to have them have 21 offensive rebounds, some of those had to go in," Stallings said. "That was a sorry rebounding effort on our part and we need to work on that."

A pair of Jermaine Beal free-throws pulled the Commodores within two points with 1:30 left, but Vanderbilt was unable to capitalize on the momentum. Beal missed a game-tying layup with 22 seconds to go, sealing the win for Illinois. Stallings attributed missed layups and free-throw shooting as the biggest problems on offense. Vanderbilt went a paltry 13-21 from the free throw line, while Illinois was a perfect 11-11.

"The free throws and the lay-ups cost us on offense, "Stallings said. "We took the ball to the basket and didn't convert."

Despite shooting poorly from the freet hrow line, Stallings doesn't think the charity stripe will be a permanent issue.

Sophomore A.J. Ogilvy led the Commodores with 13 points and seven rebounds but was unsatisfied with the team's performance.

"Losing at any time is disappointing," Ogilvy said. "We didn't make enough and missed a lot of critical shots straight off the basket."

Freshmen Jeffery Taylor and Brad Tinsley chipped in 11 apiece., while sophomore Andre Walker matched his career high with 10.

The Commodores next host Middle Tennessee State on Monday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.