Illini Aiming to Recover Against Wisconsin After Tough Loss

Categories: College University Athletics

Illinois Fighting Illini prepare for a crucial game against Wisconsin Badgers.

News Summary

The Illinois Fighting Illini look to bounce back after a disappointing 79-65 loss to Michigan State. With a crucial game against No. 16 Wisconsin approaching, the team faces challenges, including the injury of standout freshman Morez Johnson Jr. Despite recent setbacks, Illinois boasts a strong rebounding average and hopes to leverage their past success at Kohl Center. Coach Brad Underwood aims to maintain momentum as the season intensifies.

Champaign, Illinois – Illini Look to Bounce Back Against Wisconsin Following Setback Against Spartans

The Fighting Illini are picking up the pieces after a tough loss to the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans, falling 79-65 at the State Farm Center on February 15, 2025. The game had its fair share of ups and downs for the home team, who managed to build a solid lead early on but couldn’t maintain their momentum.

In a promising start, Illinois took control of the game, even leading by as many as 16 points. With just over six minutes to go in the first half, they looked strong at 35-21. However, Michigan State had other plans and engineered a significant turnaround. The Spartans ended the half on a 16-6 run, cutting the Illini’s lead down to just four points at the break. That shift in momentum held the door open for what would become a nail-biting second half.

Both teams kept the pressure on each other, with neither able to pull away, leading by no more than four points for the first thirteen minutes of the half. Then Illinois appeared to reclaim the game briefly when Ben Humrichous hit a jumper that put the Illini ahead 65-64 with 8:29 left on the clock. However, fortune turned quickly as Illinois struggled to find the basket, missing a staggering 19 consecutive shots to close the game. Michigan State capitalized on the opportunity and finished with a game-clinching 15-0 run.

Freshmen Shine Despite Setback

Even in defeat, Illinois showcased talented young players. Freshmen Morez Johnson Jr. and Kasparis Jakucionis each led the squad with 17 points and five rebounds. Will Riley also made valuable contributions, scoring 13 points and leading the team with seven rebounds and six assists. Coming off the bench, Jake Davis chipped in eight points on three-of-six shooting. Despite their efforts, the Illini found themselves on the losing side.

This loss brings Illinois’ record to 17-9 overall and 9-7 in the Big Ten Conference. Unfortunately, the challenges don’t stop here. The Illini will be facing off against the No. 16 Wisconsin Badgers on February 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. CT at the Kohl Center. This matchup presents a significant challenge, especially with the unfortunate news that Morez Johnson Jr. will be sidelined indefinitely due to a broken wrist sustained during the game against Michigan State.

Looking Ahead: Key Matchup Against Wisconsin

Before his injury, Johnson Jr. had been thriving in his freshman season, averaging an impressive 7.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His absence will be felt as the Illini prepare to battle Wisconsin, a team currently ranked No. 11 in the AP Poll and fresh off a thrilling 94-84 win against Purdue. The last time these two teams met on December 10, 2024, the Illini triumphed with an 86-80 victory. It was part of an impressive nine-game win streak against Wisconsin dating back to January 8, 2020.

With Illinois ranked second nationally in rebounding, boasting over 56.9% of missed shots grabbed, the glass will be a fierce battleground in the upcoming game. However, betting odds show Wisconsin as favorites by 3.5 points, adding an extra layer of challenge to the Illini’s task.

The Kohl Center has been a lucky venue for Illinois, who have won their last four games there. They haven’t suffered a loss in Wisconsin since February 18, 2019. Despite the upcoming challenges, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is focused on keeping the team’s strong performance going, even in the absence of a key player like Johnson Jr. Fans are hopeful for a spirited performance against the Badgers, as the excitement of college basketball continues to electrify the season.