Illinois vs UCLA

Illinois led throughout the game and picks up a nice win at home

Illinois led throughout the game and ends UCLA’s 7 game winning streak.

The Illini answered every run by UCLA and including a late 13-0 UCLA run to cut the lead to 3 with a minute left to play.

UCLA was able to score off turnovers to stay in the game, but it simply wasn’t enough.

Key Stats

Illinois outrebounds UCLA 36-23

Both teams shot well. Illinois shot 50.9% and UCLA shot 48.3%

UCLA scored 20 points off turnovers

Key Individual Performances

Illinois point guard Kasparus Jakucionis was fantastic tonight in scoring 24 points & dishing out 4 assists

UCLA Bilodeau had a fantastic night hitting 7 of 12 three point attempts on a way to a game high 25 points

Illini Tomislav Isivic added 16 points & 7 rebound in the winning cause

What it means

Illinois is closer to full health and has now won two game in a row. Sitting in the 6 seed line, they look to continue to build the resume and climb the seed list

UCLA snaps a 7 game win streak. The loss will not drop them much on our seed line. Likely in the 6

Illinois will host Michigan State at home on Saturday, while UCLA will travel to Indiana for a game on Friday

Quotes

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood, “we are really good when we have all the pieces and the pieces fit together”- on geting players healthy again

More from Coach Underwood, “1st half defensively we were terrific, made it hard on their guards”

Illinois guard Kasparus Jakucionis, “When we are all together we are a very good team”