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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Sophomore Kofi Cockburn defends Ohio State freshman Zed Key during the Big Ten Tournament title game on March 14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Illini won 91-88 in overtime, winning their first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005.

Illinois hangs on to beat Ohio State, claims Big Ten Tournament title in roller-coaster game

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer Mar 14, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS — Like he’s done all season, Ayo Dosunmu walked confidently to the free throw line. Then, he retreated and walked back towards half-court. To...

Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes up for a dunk against Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament on March 13 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Illini won the game 82-71 and advanced to the Big Ten Tournament championship game for the first time since 2008.

No. 3 Illinois keeps winning ways going, slams home No. 5 Iowa

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer Mar 13, 2021

After losing to Michigan State in late February, Illinois was faced with a decision. With games against some of the Big Ten’s top teams still to come,...

Freshman Andre Curbelo rushes past a Michigan defender during the game on March 2 at Ann Arbor. Curbelo is this week’s Illini of the Week.

Illini of the Week: Curbelo guides Illini to consecutive ranked road wins

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer Mar 11, 2021

Heading into Ann Arbor to take on then-No. 2 Michigan, Illinois seemed due for a loss. The Wolverines were hot, winning seven straight games leading up...

UI to replace Illinois Compass with Canvas as learning system

UI to replace Illinois Compass with Canvas as learning system

By Sophie Casaburi, Contributing Writer Mar 10, 2021

The University of Illinois announced on Feb. 23 that it will transition from Illinois Compass, a Blackboard product, to Canvas, an alternate learning management...

An Illinois baseball player slides into third base during practice on Feb. 26. The Illinois baseball team won one of four games against Ohio State this past weekend.

Illini baseball comes away from opening weekend with one win, three losses

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor Mar 9, 2021

The Illinois baseball team took the field for the first time in 362 days over the weekend, playing a four-game series against Ohio State down in South...

Kofi Cockburn celebrates after a play against Michigan at Crisler Center on Tuesday. The two teams had been feuding for weeks online, adding to a long list of Big Ten beef this season.

Ranking the best feuds in the Big Ten this season

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer Mar 8, 2021

Basketball is a competitive sport, and when you have competition combined with unrelenting school pride, you’re going to get into arguments. Arguments,...

Ayo Dosunmu runs down the court in Illinois' game at Ohio State Saturday. The Illini won 73-68.

Dosunmu’s key-buckets and words of encouragement help Illinois complete late rally

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer Mar 6, 2021

COLUMBUS — Entrenched in Illinois’ huddle during the last media timeout, Ayo Dosunmu muttered a simple message under his black face mask to Da’Monte...

Bargoers wait in line outside of KAM's during Unofficial on March 6, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely severely limit the activities surrounding Unofficial this year.

Local bars, police, businesses agree: Unofficial may be gone for good

By Aliza Majid, Staff Writer Mar 5, 2021

“Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day,” a March day of partying and binge-drinking at local bars and parties, is a long-standing tradition for University...

Illini Esports brings competition to virtual arena

Illini Esports brings competition to virtual arena

By Mateo Bautista, Contributing Writer Mar 4, 2021

With every eye glued to a computer screen at the Innovation Studio, the match began. The clacking of keyboards and the whirring of processor fans were...

Trent Frazier goes up for a layup against Michigan on March 2. Frazier scored 22 points in the Illini's 76-53 win.

No. 4 Illinois prevails against No. 2 Michigan behind Frazier’s offense, collective rebounding

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor Mar 2, 2021

ANN ARBOR — Speculation surrounding Ayo Dosunmu’s return to the floor began Tuesday morning after Illinois basketball’s Twitter posted a picture...

The Illini Chabad House stands on the corner of Armory Avenue and Arbor street.

Portraits of faith: ‘Physically distant, emotionally close’

By Matt Troher, Assistant Longform Editor Mar 1, 2021

\It’s coming up on a year since that fateful week in mid-March, when COVID-19 jumped from something people only read in headlines, to suddenly being...

Freshman Andre Curbelo pushes down the court during the game against Nebraska on Thursday. The Illini won the game 86-70.

Player grades: Illini freshmen take over in dominant win over Cornhuskers

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor Feb 26, 2021

Coming off a tough loss against unranked Michigan State and without their National Player of the Year candidate, the Illini were going to need production...