Illini 2nd Half Comeback Dumps Buckeyes, 87-79

By Jeff Mayfield

[February 03, 2025]  Champaign Urbana- The Illinois Fighting Illini used a big 2nd half comeback to overtake the Ohio State Buckeyes 87-79, Sunday afternoon in a sold out State Farm Center. The victory gives the Illini their 7th Big 10 victory and 15 wins over-all. It also probably keeps them in this week’s Top 25 poll. Our stars of the day:

#1 Will Riley

You rarely see a true Freshman in one of these slots but we’re starting to get used to it. And we easily could’ve slotted Morez Johnson, Jr. as he had another monster game. However, without Riley’s 2nd half offensive explosion in this one, the Illini don’t come up with the win. He had 24 points by only missing two shots, made 9 of 12 free throws, and collected 3 rebounds. The more he contributes like this, the more success the Illini will have.

#2 Morez Johnson, Jr.

Morez is a beast! He had a double double in the first half. He concluded his outing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 block. He too only missed two shots. This kind of production is critical because when you get it from multiple sources, it gives you new weapons and so many new ways to defeat your opponents.

#3 Tomislav Ivisic

Welcome back Tomislav! He’s been out for the boyz in Orange for seemingly six months. It hasn’t been that long, but this group is a totally different team with him on the floor. The margin for error is so much bigger with his presence in the paint. After fighting mono for 2-3 weeks you’d think he’d just be happy to get up and down the floor a few times and work himself back into shape. Not our Tomi! He went out and put up a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Not bad for a guy who’s been out sick. We’re so much better with him on the court, it’s impossible to overstate his importance to our success.

Honorable Mention

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

Kudos to Dra for his first start-he deserved it. He’s a picture and a reminder to all that nothing is given freely, you must work and earn your keep. Dra had 10 big points, 2 rebounds, and a thunderous dunk that is still rockin’ the building!

Kylan Boswell

Kylan did not sit around and pout after not being in the starting line-up. In fact, his 2nd half production that allowed him to finish with 14 points and 2 rebounds could’ve slotted him as one of the stars. I like the leadership it shows and IF no one cares who gets the credit this club could have some post-season upside.

The Illini now leave the friendly confines and head for a road tilt at Rutgers on Wednesday night at 7:30pm.
 

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

Respond to the writer at [e-mail].