On Friday afternoon, the Illinois men’s wheelchair basketball team’s dream of a national championship came to an end in the national semifinals at the hands of undefeated defending national champions, Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The Illini lost by a final score of 64-55.

Spencer Heslop and Martinez Johnson scoring 17 and 12 points respectively. Johnson also chipped in nine rebounds.

Despite their success, usual standout Ryan Neiswender struggled in the game. He had eight assists, but shot 3-for-14 from the field.

Finishing shots seemed to be the Illini’s problem all game; they shot 24-for-62 — 39 percent —  for the game.

Whitewater was led by a huge game from Derick Bisnett, who scored 25 points while chipping in 10 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double.

With the loss, Illinois will play against second-seeded Texas-Arlington for third place on Saturday at noon.

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@TPolc