CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — On a short turnaround, the Bellarmine men's tennis team faced its third power-five opponent in two weeks on Sunday evening, and the Knights fell at Illinois by a final score of 6-1.

Matthew Nice was yet again the bright spot, however, claiming his third singles win against a power-five opponent.  Nice picked up victories against opponents from Louisville and Michigan State last week, which earned him ASUN Player of the Week honors. 

The freshman struck again in Champaign, defeating Kenta Miyoshi 6-3, 3-6, 12-10 at no. 3 singles.  Nice is now 4-1 in singles matches this spring.

Illinois claimed the other five singles matches.  Paul Reynolds put up a valiant fight at no. 4 singles, falling to Nic Meister in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 10-4).  The Illini also swept the doubles matches on Sunday night.

Bellarmine will take 11 days off before returning to the court at Xavier on Feb. 10.

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