Illini Struggle in loss to USC, 82-72

By Jeff Mayfield

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[January 13, 2025]  Champaign-Urbana- The Illinois Fighting Illini came out lethargic, shot poorly, got out-rebounded, and were just generally lackluster, in their 82-72 loss to USC. To make matters worse, it was a conference game…and it was at home. The Illini appeared stuck in the mud and just could never get anything going offensively.

You my say that they were playing without their best player, Kasparas Jakucionis, and truth is-he wasn’t available. But in this league, you have to find ways to win when you’re at less than full strength. Illinois did that Wednesday night versus Penn State, but they did not do that versus USC. The Illini only shot 37% from the field against the Trojans and a paltry 22% from 3-point distance.

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To make matters worse, Illinois missed several layups and shots from close range, lost the rebounding battle 37-34, and committed 15 turnovers. The Illini also had one of their worst shooting games of the season. All those things in the aggregate led to a stinging home loss that will look awful on the team resume.

And, talk about not getting any easier? Up next for the Illini next week are back to back road trips to Indiana and Michigan State!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

Respond to the writer at jeffqmay@gmail.com

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