Illini Pull Away and Pound Iowa, 81-61

By Jeff Mayfield

[February 26, 2025]  Champaign Urbana- The Illinois Fighting Illini only committed five turnovers and made 17 assists on their way to an 81-61 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. One of the media members shared that Iowa was averaging 83 points per game and this was their lowest output of the league season according to him. The Illini shot 51% from the field. The win takes Illinois’ record to 18-11. Our stars tonight:

#1 Tomislav Ivišić
Tomi-boy is a fun player to watch. We continue to say that Tomi may be our best player. He stretches the floor, is a magnificent passer, and he can stroke the 3-ball. His hot shooting gave us an early edge and he closed the night with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

#2 Kylan Boswell

Really got into a passing mode tonight and it showed. He also displayed a propensity to go downhill to the bucket and check out his line- 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 big assists, and one steal.

#3 Will Riley

Drew the start tonight and it paid huge dividends for the Illini. Will was literally everywhere in this ball game. He tallied 15 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 7 rebounds!

#3 Tre White

This will have to be a tie for the 3rd slot because we were so glad to see Tre white contribute at this level again. We will need him at this level to advance in either of the upcoming tournaments. He came through with 14 points and two rebounds.

Honorable Mention - Kasparas Jakucionis

What a line for our friend from Lithuania- 9 points, 1 block, 3 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Illinois has some interesting records going. They are now 17-1 on the season when they score 80+ points and a sparkling 10-0 in league games. They are assured of a 6th straight .500 or better season including a 6th straight double figures in league wins and is the only team in the conference with such a record. The Illini will play on the road at Michigan Sunday afternoon and will host Purdue a week from Friday Night in their last league game of the regular season.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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