Illinois Finally Solves #18 Purdue, 88-80

By Jeff Mayfield

[March 08, 2025]  Champaign Urbana-We weren’t sure that our Illinois Fighting Illini had figured out enough stuff to compete with the Purdue Boilermakers much less beat them. However, on a wild night in the State Farm Center the Illini certainly came back from the dead down 10 points with 12 minutes plus to play. We remarked to our seat mates that Illinois needed to be within 5 at the four -minute timeout. We were shocked that Illinois was within five and then tied with plenty of time to go.

Purdue continued to look like they were in the captain’s seat even with the score closer, but Illinois just would not give in or die on this 2025 Senior Night. Ben Humrichous nailed two gigantic 3-pointers and made some amazing defensive stops in the last few minutes that led to an 18-point swing as the Illini eventually prevailed 88-80. That giant point swing included a 13-1 run in the last couple of minutes. It also became their 20th win of the season, playing one of the most difficult schedules in the country with basically an entirely new roster. And Illinois is one of only 4 national teams that have won 20 or more games for 6 consecutive seasons. The others are Houston, San Diego State, and Gonzaga.

Illinois amazingly shot 49% from the field with 37% from 3-point land and 84% from the charity stripe. The Illini outrebounded the Boilers 29-27 and tied them in turnovers with 8 for each team.

It will be very hard to sift through the notes and pick out our 3 stars as so many made contributions at critical times that may have swung the contest in our favor. In fact, five Illini players finished in double figures, two more than the Boilers. However, that’s what we are called on to do and we will give it our best shot. And I know it’s difficult to rank and rate crowds as to was the best one in a decade? We don’t know, but it may well have been the best crowd this season. They sure were loud and proud when Illinois needed them most.

Star #1 Will Riley

Will was really pumped up and his energy carried him and his team at critical junctures in the contest. He was electric, fired up, and composed continually making successful plays that ensured the victory. He’s a Freshman and here is his line-22 points including 2 made 3-pointers, 6 for 6 from the foul line, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. Not bad for a youngster. But it is the way that he played with authority that was the determining factor. He seemed to will the Illini to victory and it was a thing of beauty.

Star #2 Tre White

We could be convinced to switch and interchange the top two stars especially once you hear about Tre’s contributions. All he did was put up 20 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. IF our team is going anywhere, White must be a big part of the collaboration (I threw this word in for my pal Greg Taylor who thinks it’s the best word in the English language).

Star #3 Kylan Boswell

At times we wonder where has Boswell gone? Tonight, when we needed him most he came through big time. He tallied 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. What you don’t see in the stats-his leadership, his ability to get to the rim and make shots through contact and draw the fouls especially the and-1’s. Then he calmly sank 7 of his 9 tosses to bury Purdue. My son texted me from Arlington, VA with his comment…Boiler Down!

Honorable Mention=Our European Connection

Tomislav Ivisic

He has been terrific all year. And we needed him if we were ever going to solve the puzzle that is the Boilers. Tomi went for 14 points with 2 made 3’s, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. But his ability to help us run our offense and his presence in a game where we really struggled to defend the post were needed at key times to net the win.

Kasparas Jakucionis

Simple. He may have hit the biggest shot of the game. IF you’re not going to consider the two 3’s that Humrichous hit that got us back in the game and gave us a shot at winning, then you have to say that KJ’s 3 with 39 seconds to play that gave Illinois a 3-point lead was a killer. KJ did not have his best game but still gave 10 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds.

What’s the takeaway? Well for one, Illinois’ 25 combined Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins are the most in the nation which sounds impressive to me. The Illini are also 12-0 in the league and 19-1 overall when they score 80+ points. Up next-Illinois will play in the Big Ten Tournament Thursday at Indianapolis.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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