#17 Illini Blitz Northwestern, 83-74

By Jeff Mayfield

[January 27, 2025]  Champaign Urbana- IF there was a college basketball team in this country in need of a solid, convincing win more than Illinois, I sure do not know who it would be. And the Illini earned that solid, convincing W with a superb effort on their way to an 83-74 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats Sunday afternoon in the State Farm Center. The fans have been doing all they can. The coaches have been saying that they are doing all they can. It was simply up to the players.

On the postgame show on the Illini radio network, Coach Brad Underwood indicated that the team had some “spirited practices’ (and I’m quite sure they did) since Thursday night’s dubious loss to Maryland. That is coach speak for them running to China and back with lots of yelling make that encouragement from the coaches. OR, they may have sat around all week drinking hot tea and discussing their “feelings.” Whatever they did, it seemed to work.

The Illini came out hustling all over the court. They dove for every loose ball. They had defensive hands in the passing lanes, they got hands on almost every tip-out, and they ran up and down the court on offense AND defense. They looked like a team fresh off some “spirited practices,” as they appeared really dialed in. However, this is the way that they need to play all of the time.

When they attack the rim, it opens up ball reversals and movement in the offense. When they penetrate, not only do they get better shot selection, it opens up the 3-point game that most teams are trying to take away. It also creates opportunities for most of our players and gives this team tremendous balance. This game was exactly what this team needed, and it was precisely what they gave their adoring fans in this contest. They shot 45% from the field (including nine made 3-pointers) and outrebounded the Cats 50-27 (with 21 offensive caroms-the most by ANY Big 10 team since 2018!) which was a total domination! All of that led to Illinois’ ninth straight home victory over Northwestern!
And speaking of balance, check out our three stars:

#1 Morez Johnson, Jr.
We had to go with Morez on this one after Illinois was mauled and abused by Maryland’s “Bigs” just 3 days earlier. He was beating people down the floor and ran several slips to the hoop for easy buckets. He was so close to a double double that it was criminal that he didn’t pick-up his 10th rebound to go along with 15 big points and 3 blocks. I think he wanted to say hello to the boys back in Chicago. So, HELLO! Not bad for a Freshman!

#2 Ben Humrichous
We could have slotted him in the No. 1 position, but because we needed big production in the paint, we had no choice but to go MJJ in the top spot. However, IF Ben doesn’t hit three big threes in the first half to open a big lead, we might not be having this wonderful conversation. He finished with four threes in all on his way to 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.


#3 Kylan Boswell
Had a nice turnaround in this contest after a subpar performance against the Terps. And some would lobby us for moving him into Star 1 or 2. We’re fine with him leading by example and doing all the things this team needs to just win baby win! (sorry, my old Oakland Raiders’ roots just oozes out of me at times). He tied for the lead of all scorers with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block; and as I type his line, I’m trying to talk myself into over-ruling myself and naming him the player of the game! He also buried 9 out of 10 from the free throw line and most years that would be good for an Oscar, a Grammy, a Tony, and a Mayfield. Suffice it to say, we loved his hustle and his toughness, and this team is best when he plays like he did today.

Honorable Mention

Kasparas Jakucionis
We also should probably have him much higher when you hear his line of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists but we’re getting too used to him delivering the ball and getting things done quietly. You think he’s ghosted us, and you look up to the stats board and his numbers are almost always there and impressive at that. You also know that he is a Freshman because he can’t seem to get a call. When that starts to happen, I’m not sure how teams will be able to stop him. As for how to color us, we just think he’s fun to watch.

Jake Davis
Yanked down 3 rebounds but tallied 11 points on three 3-pointers and all of that in only 16 minutes of work. IF I had those kinds of numbers, I could have retired years ago!

What Does This Mean?

My friend Marie asks me every week, what does this mean? Always a great question. Well, after this victory it means the Illini are 14-6 overall and 6-4 in league play. Somebody on press row said that Illinois now faces 3 of their next 4 contests on the road. It’s never easy, is it? But, I’ll leave you on this note. Illinois played another game without one of their best players as Tomislav Ivisic is still out sick. When and IF he comes back as hot as he’s been for most of the season, there are still very bright days ahead for this contingent moving forward. Next up is a tough contest on the road at Nebraska at 7:30 pm on Thursday night.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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