Basketball
Illinois Basketball: A closer emerges vs Arkansas
It was a strong early-season win for Illinois basketball on Thanksgiving day. The Illini immediately boosted the spirits of any Bears fan by dominating the 19th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks, 90-77. Illinois basketball came out swinging with the efforts of Tomislav Ivisic and hopped out to a nice double-digit lead. The Illini held steady until the middle of the second half in which Arkansas made a spirited attack.
However, the Illini maintained their lead, and out came a closer that Brad Underwood and his staff were hoping to emerge. Kasparas Jakucionis.
Cool, calm, and under control
Foul trouble started to creep up for Illinois and Adou Thiero seemed to get to the free-throw line with every drive. After cutting the lead to single digits, however, Kasparas Jakucionis flipped a switch. The freshman guard scored 14 straight points for Illinois including a few insane stepback three point shots. After looking a little too unselfish in the first half, Jakucionis knew exactly when to call his own number and simply took over.
That was a true freshman having command of the Illini. We are so used to having the veterans handle the rock. Whether that is Terrence Shannon Jr, Marcus Domask, Trent Frazier, or Ayo Dosunmu. However, Jakucionis showed exactly why he was put in the lottery of the 2025 NBA mock draft recently.
Enjoy this year of Kasparas Jakucionis, Illini fans.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.
For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at [email protected]. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini!
-
Basketball4 days ago
Former Illini Andre Curbelo suspended from Southern Miss for “disciplinary reasons”
-
Football3 days ago
Bret Bielema makes case for Illinois Football to make CFP
-
Basketball3 days ago
Illinois basketball has a daunting December ahead
-
Basketball7 days ago
Illinois Basketball: Two freshmen tabbed as first round draft picks
-
Football14 hours ago
Illinois Football News: Redshirt Freshman Tight End Enters Transfer Portal
-
Football2 days ago
Illinois Football recruiting: How JUCO LB Ismael Kante impacts the Illini
-
Football14 hours ago
Illinois Football: Are the Illini Citrus Bowl Bound?
-
FB Recruiting5 days ago
Illinois football news: 4-star LB Grant Beerman announces Illini commitment