Basketball
Illinois Basketball: Key Takeaways After Loss to Northwestern

Illinois basketball came into this matchup riding high after the win at Arkansas on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for the Illini, they could not make it two big wins in a row. For the second year in a row Illinois basketball fell to Northwestern in overtime 70-66. With how young this Illini team is you had to figure it would be a bit of a roller coaster to start the season. Despite a loss, there are two positives that the Illini can take away from this.
Illinois Basketball has two All-Big Ten players
Tomislav Ivisic out here doing this at 7’1 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/wjf2WTkpeE
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) December 7, 2024
It is safe to say that this class that Brad Underwood and Orlando Antigua have put together. We saw the ceiling of Tomislav Ivisic against Arkansas when he went for 21 points and 10 rebounds. Ivisic was great in this game once against posting another 15-12 double-double. He also dished out five assists including a wicked behind-the-back assist. Even though Tomi scored 15 points, it felt like he needed to get more touches down the stretch.
The other freshman standout tonight was Kasparas Jakucionis. Down the stretch, he was the entire offense for the Illini. He finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. It was a great stat line and it was even better to watch. Kasparas hit multiple step-back three-point attempts when the Illini needed them the most. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the Illini to get the win.
Big Four-Game Stretch Ahead
After the loss, it will be interesting to see if Brad Underwood changes anything up in the rotation. I do not expect huge changes, but I would not be surprised to see more Tre White or Morez Johnson. Regardless, Illinois basketball has so many more opportunities for quad-one victories. I think a positive from this was that they can at least hang tough in a road environment against a quality, veteran squad.
These next four games are monster ones with quad-one-win home opportunities against Wisconsin and Tennessee. Then they get Missouri in the Braggin’ Rights game which is always a tough battle, and then finish the Nonconference schedule against Chicago State. I think it is safe to say anything less than a 3-1 record in those four games would be a disappointment as they dive head-first into Big Ten Conference play after that. Nobody is panicking over here, but it is time for this Illini squad to start taking care of business and find some consistency.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 alexkyi13@gmail.com. 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!
-
Football2 days ago
Illinois WR Hank Beatty Reaches National Record
-
Football5 days ago
Watch: Luke Altmyer catches first TD pass on trick play vs USC
-
Football3 days ago
Illinois Football injury report heading into Cannon week vs Purdue
-
Basketball3 days ago
Former Illinois basketball star Trent Frazier hits milestone overseas
-
Football3 days ago
WATCH: David Olano saves the day for the Illini with game-winner
-
Basketball7 days ago
Top-5 2026 SG Adam Oumiddoch Puts Illinois in his Final 5
-
Basketball1 day ago
Former Illini Ayo Dosunmu cleared for 2025 NBA training camp
-
Football7 days ago
Illinois Football: Bielema Gives Mid-Week Injury Update Ahead of USC