Illini Falls Late to Purdue, 96-88 in Double OT
By Jeff Mayfield

[January 18, 2022]  The Illinois Fighting Illini somehow took the No. 4 team in the nation-the Purdue Boilermakers-into double overtime Monday-but sadly came up on the short end of a 96-88 loss. It reminds you that the Big Ten is brutal, rouged, rough and tumble, ugly, and beautiful all at the same time.

Illinois shot only 31% in the first half while the Boilers were busy taking a 37-26 halftime lead. Though someone needs to explain why there was a 5-minute video review delay right after the Illini had finally gotten into the flow of the game? And why these things seemingly continue to happen? What was the result of the delay? Purdue went on a 17-0 run which took a 4-point Illini lead to an 11-point Illini deficit at intermission.

The Illini somehow found its rhythm and flow in the 2nd half and started chipping away and eventually tied the game at 49-49. Purdue went on another run and spurted out to another 6-point lead. Incredibly Illinois was able to come back and get within 2 and Andre Curbelo seeing his first action since those early season games, took the ball to the corner then to the rim where he converted a twisting reverse layup to send the game to overtime at 69-all!

Both teams were up and down in the first overtime and it ended 78-78. In the 2nd overtime Illinois had some empty possessions, Purdue made several free throws [PU outscored Illinois 26-12 at the charity stripe], and pulled away for a 96-88 victory.

Three Stars

Andre Curbelo=many fans have been asking is Andre finished with concussion protocol? When is Curbelo coming back? And some even questioned whether he was even needed? Well, from my seat high above the floor just beyond row 22-here’s what we noted of AC’s line: 20 points [4 of 5 fts], 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. IF you don’t have him out there for this game-you don’t have a chance. Sounds to me like he is very needed. It was a magical, incredible return and one you couldn’t have expected-that’s why he gets the #1 star.

Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk=has always given great effort, hustles, and brings great energy to the floor. He doesn’t always get a lot of playing time and he doesn’t usually get to make much of an impact. Monday the Illini were desperate-their All-American center, Kofi Cockburn, was in foul trouble and not playing one of his best games. Omar Payne was also in foul trouble. So, the SOS and the last-ditch call went out to Verdonk. To say that he responded well would not do him justice. Ben was terrific-his stat line won’t show it=4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist-but his hustle, his tenacity, and his energy [along with some outstanding defense], electrified the crowd. He literally gave the Illini a chance to win.

Alphonso Plummer=was cold in the first half but heated up the rest of the game. He finished with 24 points on 6 of 12 on 3-pointers and 4 rebounds. He brought the Illini back almost single handedly.
Shout-outs

Trent Frazier=did not have his best game of the season but his line may beg to differ with you. He tallied 16 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. But what he did do is show you the warrior he is. Trent played 48 minutes and looked like he was beaten to a pulp when it was done.

Meyers Leonard=showed his love for the program he once represented by being honored on the court for his generous $500,000 to the University. I enjoyed speaking with him and catching up with the big fella. Hopefully he will get healthy & get re-signed by an NBA team he can help.

Final Thoughts

While it was disappointing to lose a game that looked like there was a chance to win, it’s nice to know that the Illini can play with anybody. The loss takes Illinois’ record to 6-1 in the league and 13-4 overall. The Illini will play at Maryland on Friday night.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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