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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
Lovie Smith supervises the first spring practice of the season on April 1st, 2016.

Through the student lens: Four tumultuous years of Illini sports

By Alex Roux, Staff Writer • May 5, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill drives to the basket around Purdue's Rapheal Davis in the quarterfinal of the Big Ten Tournament. The Illini lost 89-59. 

RADIO: Joey Figueroa, Eli Schwadron and Alex Roux on the Illini's loss to Purdue

By Alex Roux • Mar 12, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill drives to the basket around Purdue's Rapheal Davis in the quarterfinal of the Big Ten Tournament. The Illini lost 89-59. 

Purdue learned from past mistakes and crushed Illinois in the BTT quarterfinal

By Alex Roux • Mar 11, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill shoots a three in front of Iowa's Jarrod Uthoff during the game against Iowa in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 10. The Illini won 68-66.

Instead of wilting under pressure, Illinois stood up to No. 20 Iowa Thursday

By Alex Roux • Mar 11, 2016
Four Illini scored in double digits and Maverick Morgan (22) add nine in Illinois basketball's 85-52 win over Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Live Radio Update from Big Ten Tournament: Alex Roux

By Alex Roux • Mar 10, 2016
Kendrick Nunn and the Illini got off to a good start in the Big Ten Tournament, beating Minnesota 85-52 in Wednesday's game.

Illinois basketball’s demolition of a depleted Gophers squad helps its chances against Iowa

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Mar 10, 2016

By Alex Roux • Mar 9, 2016
Illinois basketball never found its footing

Illinois basketball never found its footing

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Mar 8, 2016

Outstanding efforts from Hill, Lewis not enough in 2OT loss to Penn State

By Alex Roux • Mar 6, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill shoots a free throw during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Outstanding efforts from Hill, Lewis not enough in 2OT loss to Penn State

By Alex Roux • Mar 6, 2016
Illinois' Maverick Morgan grabs a rebound during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Illinois and Penn State play to determine Big Ten tourney matchups

By Alex Roux • Mar 6, 2016

Illinois stands as match for Maryland in latest prime-time blowout

By Alex Roux • Mar 4, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center on February 25. The Illini lost 74-47.

Playing Maryland in a hostile environment could be good prep for Big Ten tournament

By Alex Roux • Mar 2, 2016
Illinois' new athletic director Josh Whitman lead the State Farm Center crowd in an "ILL-INI" chant during halftime of the Illini's game against Minnesota.

Comeback win marks Senior Night for Illini basketball

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Feb 29, 2016

DaMonte Williams commitment the biggest news of Illini basketball season

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Feb 29, 2016
Illinois' Khalid Lewis takes a layup during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

State Farm Center: An arena opponents used to fear

By Alex Roux • Feb 28, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center. The Hoosiers held Hill to just 5 points.

Indiana routs Illinois again behind second half scoring barrage

By Alex Roux • Feb 26, 2016
Minnesota Gophers head coach Richard Pitino reacts during a college basketball game against the Michigan Wolverines at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2013. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT)

KRUSH EDITION: Nobody hates Minnesota, and that’s a bad sign for them

By Alex Roux • Feb 25, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce calls out a play during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Illinois basketball should be motivated when facing Indiana again

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Feb 24, 2016
Folake Osibodu The Daily Illini Illinois' head coach John Groce watches the game against Purdue at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana on Saturday, March 7, 2015. The Illini lost 63-58.

KRUSH EDITION: Iconic upset of No. 1 Indiana wasn’t the turning point we thought it was

By Alex Roux • Feb 23, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce yells instructions at his team during the Illini's 78-67 loss to Nebraska at State Farm Center earlier this season.

Illini basketball folds at Wisconsin in seemingly inevitable collapse

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Feb 22, 2016
Illinois' Leron Black (12) attempts to save the ball from going out of bounds during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. The Illini won 86-60.

Illinois visits Wisconsin as Leron Black distraction hovers

By Alex Roux • Feb 21, 2016
Illinois' Maverick Morgan takes a short jumper during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

?Illinois coasts to 82-66 win over Rutgers

By Alex Roux • Feb 16, 2016
Illinois and Rutgers meet again less than two weeks after 3OT circus

Illinois and Rutgers meet again less than two weeks after 3OT circus

By Alex Roux • Feb 15, 2016

You think Illinois’ losing season is bad? Rutgers does this every year

By Alex Roux • Feb 15, 2016
Illinois' head coach John Groce reacts to a play on court during last season's 86-80 Illini win over Northwestern. His team dropped a 58-56 game to the Wildcats on Saturday night.

Illinois falls to Northwestern after being stifled on final play

By Alex Roux • Feb 14, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce yells instructions at his team during the Illini's 78-67 loss to Nebraska at State Farm Center earlier this season.

Northwestern’s season is the ghost of Illini basketball seasons past

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Feb 13, 2016
Members of the Orange Krush hold up the Orange Krush Edition of The Daily Illini before the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Illini Drive: The state of Illini hoops with Alex Roux and Eli Schwadron

By Alex Roux • Feb 9, 2016
Illini center Maverick Morgan grabs a rebound during the Illini's 77-65 loss to Iowa on Sunday, Feb. 7 at State Farm Center. 

Illinois dismantled by No. 5 Iowa, 77-65

By Alex Roux • Feb 7, 2016
Illinois' Michael Finke shoots a 3-pointer over Nebraska's Shavon Shields during the Illini's 78-67 loss to the Huskers at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Playing like there’s nothing to lose Sunday can help Illini upset No. 5 Iowa

By Alex Roux • Feb 7, 2016
Malcolm Hill (21) rises up for jumper during Illinois' 68-63 loss to Ohio State on Thursday, Jan. 28 at State Farm Center. Hill shot 3-for-14 and Illinois went 18-for-56 from the field in the overtime defeat.

Illinois escapes bonkers affair in triple overtime at Rutgers

By Alex Roux • Feb 4, 2016
Between injuries and losing records, Illinois-Rutgers is the saddest game of the year

Between injuries and losing records, Illinois-Rutgers is the saddest game of the year

By Alex Roux • Feb 2, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce shouts directions to his team during during the Illini's 84-70 victory over Purdue at State Farm Center on Sunday.

KRUSH EDITION: As hard as it might be to accept, it’s the Year of the Hawkeye

By Alex Roux • Feb 2, 2016
Wisconsin's Khalil Iverson (21) attempt to block Illinois guard Khalid Lewis' layup during the Illini's 63-55 loss to the Badgers at State Farm Center on Sunday, Jan. 31. The Illini have now lost three straight home games.

Illinois basketball falls to Wisconsin amid injuries, sluggish play

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Feb 1, 2016
Fireworks shoot into the air inside State Farm Center just before the Illinois men's basketball team takes the court to face Ohio State on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Groce, men’s basketball looks to reverse streak of futility against Wisconsin

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 31, 2016
Malcolm Hill (21) rises up for jumper during Illinois' 68-63 loss to Ohio State on Thursday, Jan. 28 at State Farm Center. Hill shot 3-for-14 and Illinois went 18-for-56 from the field in the overtime defeat.

Free throws, rebounding haunt Illini in overtime loss to Buckeyes

By Alex Roux • Jan 29, 2016
Illinois' head coach John Groce checks the scoreboard late in the first half during the Illini's 78-67 loss to the Huskers at State Farm Center on Saturday, January 16.

Illinois must build off first matchup to defeat Ohio State Thursday

By Alex Roux • Jan 27, 2016

Wisconsin has owned Illinois this decade, but Badgers basketball might be changing

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 25, 2016
John Groce was an assistant on the 2005 Ohio State team that handed then-No. 1 Illinois its only regular season loss. Since becoming Illinois' head coach, Groce is 1-5 against Ohio State.

KRUSH EDITION: Ohio State and Illinois have gone different directions since 2005 stunner

By Alex Roux • Jan 25, 2016

Illinois storms back in final minute, defeats Minnesota in OT

By Alex Roux • Jan 24, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill shoots a 3-pointer over Nebraska's Shavon Shields during the Illini's 78-67 loss to the Huskers at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Illinois and Minnesota will see who has it worse Saturday

By Alex Roux • Jan 23, 2016
Illini implode at Indiana, lose 103-69

Illini implode at Indiana, lose 103-69

By Alex Roux • Jan 20, 2016
Illinois' Jaylon Tate walks the ball up the court during the Illini's 78-67 loss to Nebraska at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Illinois needs to play desperate Tuesday to knock off Indiana

By Alex Roux • Jan 19, 2016
Illinois guard Khalid Lewis(3) takes a jump shot during the game against Yale at the State Farm Center on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. The Illini won 69-65.

Khalid Lewis has provided a steady hand in lone season with Illini basketball

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 19, 2016
Looking to avoid an Illini hoops disaster in a difficult season

Looking to avoid an Illini hoops disaster in a difficult season

By Alex Roux • Jan 19, 2016
Head coach John Groce speaks with a referee during the game against North Florida at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center on Friday, Nov. 13. Illinois lost 93-81.

Javon Pickett commits to play for Illinois basketball, Groce

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 17, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill keeps control of his dribble while being guarded by Nebraska's Shavon Shields during the Illini's 78-67 loss to the Huskers at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Illinois basketball inconsistent again in home loss to Nebraska

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 16, 2016
Illinois' Khalid Lewis claps during the Illini's 84-70 victory over Purdue at State Farm Center on Sunday.

Illini men’s basketball must avoid letdown against Nebraska following big win over Purdue

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 15, 2016
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn puts up a layup over Purdue's A.J. Hammond during the Illini's 84-70 victory over the Boilermakers at State Farm Center on Sunday. Nunn dropped 22 points in his first game back since missing time to attend the birth of his first child.

Nunn, Hill light it up for Illini in upset of Boilers

By Alex Roux • Jan 11, 2016
John Groce patrolling the sideline during Illinois' 78-68 loss to Michigan at State Farm Center on Wednesday. Groce's team fell to 0-2 in Big Ten play after losing to Ohio State on Sunday.

Groce must get creative to counter interior mismatches against Purdue

By Alex Roux • Jan 10, 2016
Spartans coach Tom Izzy talking to Brandon Dawson during last season's Illinois-Michigan State game at State Farm Center

Spartans crush shorthanded Illini basketball in lopsided fashion

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 8, 2016
Groce must rebuild Illinois basketball's resilient culture, which will be tested by Michigan State

Groce must rebuild Illinois basketball’s resilient culture, which will be tested by Michigan State

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 7, 2016
Illinois basketball showed refreshing fight in loss to Buckeyes

Illinois basketball showed refreshing fight in loss to Buckeyes

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 4, 2016
Malcolm Hill puts up a shot that Michigan's Mark Donnal (34) is coming in to block during Illinois' 78-68 loss to the Wolverines at State Farm Center on Wednesday.

Illinois basketball’s best chance to avoid 0-4 Big Ten start is Sunday at Ohio State

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Jan 3, 2016
Illinois' Michael Finke fights for possession with Michigan's Duncan Robinson and Mark Donnal during the Illini's 78-68 loss to the Wolverines at State Farm Center on Wednesday.

Second-half struggles continue as Illinois basketball falls at home to Michigan

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Dec 30, 2015
?A win over Michigan would put a tumultuous nonconference further behind the Illini

?A win over Michigan would put a tumultuous nonconference further behind the Illini

By Alex Roux • Dec 30, 2015

Nunn ignites Braggin’ Rights as Illini hold off Mizzou

By Alex Roux • Dec 24, 2015
The Illini men's basketball team poses with Braggin' Rights trophy after beating Missouri 62-59 in last season's edition of the rivalry game.

Even in down years, Braggin’ Rights remain sacred

By Alex Roux • Dec 23, 2015

Hill carries Illini to 91-79 win over South Dakota

By Alex Roux • Dec 20, 2015
Illinois guard Kendrick Nunn takes a 3-pointer during the Illini's loss to Notre Dame on Dec. 1 at State Farm Center.

After week off, Illinois basketball returns to action against South Dakota

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Dec 19, 2015
Guard Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Notre Dame at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Illinois lost 84-79.

Illini escape UIC, but are haunted by second-half woes again

By Alex Roux • Dec 13, 2015
Leron Black (12) during Illinois's game against Oregon at the United Center in Chicago last season. The Illini face UIC there on Saturday with a chance to rise above .500.

Illinois will have to reverse ugly United Center trend against UIC Saturday

By Alex Roux • Dec 12, 2015
Maverick Morgan puts up a shot during Illinois' 69-65 win over Yale on Wednesday.

Hill and Nunn key to Illini basketball’s 69-65 win over Yale

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Dec 10, 2015
Guard Malcolm Hill takes a three point shot during the game against Notre Dame at the State Farm Center on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Illinois lost 84-79.

Illinois basketball will need to bring it for 40 minutes to beat a veteran Yale team

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Dec 8, 2015
Western Carolina forward Torrion Brummitt blocks Illinois forward Leron Black's shot during the game at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Illinois basketball’s win over WCU wasn’t pretty, but Illini showed some encouraging signs

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Dec 6, 2015
As hype around Illini hoops fades, Illinois must use softer December slate to improve

As hype around Illini hoops fades, Illinois must use softer December slate to improve

By Alex Roux • Dec 5, 2015
Former Illinois basketball head coach Lou Henson gathers with 100 former players, coaches and administrators at half court at halftime to celebrate the first game on Lou Henson Court at the State Farm Center.

Illini unravel in second half as Irish spoil State Farm Center debut

By Alex Roux • Dec 3, 2015
Illinois' Jalen Coleman-Lands(5) takes a jump shot during the game against Chicago State at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois, on Monday, November 23, 2015. The Illini won 82-79.

A win over Notre Dame would cap off State Farm Center spectacle

By Alex Roux • Dec 1, 2015
Head coach John Groce speaks with a referee during the game against North Florida at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center on Friday, Nov. 13. Illinois lost 93-81.

Illini show improvement, but can’t hang with Iowa State for full 40 mintues

By Alex Roux • Nov 29, 2015
Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas, Lou Henson, Illinois men's basketball head coach John Groce, and Illinois women's basketball head coach Matt Bollant at the ceremony announcing the naming of State Farm Center's court "Lou Henson Court."

In honor of a legendary career, Lou Henson Court is the least Illinois could do

By Alex Roux • Nov 29, 2015

Reinforcements arrive as Illini blast Blazers

By Alex Roux • Nov 28, 2015
Illinois men's basketball head coach John Groce.

Illinois needs better starts to compete in Emerald Coast Classic

By Alex Roux • Nov 27, 2015

Coleman-Lands saves Illini from calamity at the buzzer

By Alex Roux • Nov 24, 2015
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) dribbles around his defender during the game against North Dakota State at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois, on Sunday, November 15, 2015. The Illini won 80-74.

Springfield series comes to an end as Illini host Chicago State

By Alex Roux • Nov 23, 2015

Chattanooga loss pushes Illinois to worst start in 50 years

By Alex Roux • Nov 23, 2015

Illini can’t afford to pile up too many losses as Chattanooga visits Springfield

By Alex Roux • Nov 21, 2015
Mike Thorne Jr. beats a defender and makes a shot off the backboard during the game against North Florida at Prairie Capitol Convention Center on Friday.

Daily Illini Sportscast: November 19

By Alex Roux • Nov 20, 2015

Frantic finish bounces Providence’s way against Illinois basketball

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Nov 19, 2015
Exposing Providence’s supporting cast will be key

Exposing Providence’s supporting cast will be key

By Alex Roux • Nov 17, 2015

Exposing Providence’s supporting cast will be key

By Alex Roux • Nov 17, 2015
Mike Thorne Jr. takes the ball to the rim during the game against North Dakota State on Sunday at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center.

Illini men’s basketball finds fight in second half to bury Bison

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Nov 15, 2015
Malcolm Hill takes a jump shot during the game against Northern Florida at Prairie Capitol Convention Center on Friday.

It was a day at the Beech for North Florida as Ospreys roll Illini men’s basketball

By Alex Roux, Illini hoops columnist • Nov 14, 2015
Quality of opening weekend opponents means Illini men's basketball can’t sleepwalk.

Quality of opening weekend opponents means Illini men's basketball can’t sleepwalk.

By Alex Roux • Nov 11, 2015
Coleman-Lands arrives ahead of schedule as Illini crush UIS

Coleman-Lands arrives ahead of schedule as Illini crush UIS

By Alex Roux • Nov 9, 2015
Coleman-Lands leads Illini men's basketball past UIS in lone exhibition

Coleman-Lands leads Illini men's basketball past UIS in lone exhibition

By Alex Roux • Nov 8, 2015
You have to see it to believe it: State Farm Center update

You have to see it to believe it: State Farm Center update

By Alex Roux • Nov 6, 2015
As Illini hoops season nears, some preseason takeaways can prove valuable

As Illini hoops season nears, some preseason takeaways can prove valuable

By Alex Roux • Nov 3, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce instructs his team during the game against Kennesaw State at State Farm Center on Dec. 27, 2014. The Illini won 93-45.

Groce hosts recruit after Illini hoops scrimmage

By Alex Roux • Oct 27, 2015
Students participating in "Block" at Joe's the weekend of Homecoming.

The gameday experience: Homecoming Block

By Alex Roux • Oct 26, 2015
Saturday morning traditions

Saturday morning traditions

By Alex Roux • Oct 23, 2015
Groce dealt bad hand in crucial season

Groce dealt bad hand in crucial season

By Alex Roux • Oct 23, 2015
Malcolm's in the middle of it all

Malcolm's in the middle of it all

By Alex Roux • Oct 23, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce reacts to a foul call during the game against Missouri at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

Two Illini targets transfer as season draws closer

By Alex Roux • Oct 19, 2015
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) drives to the basket during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. The Illini won 86-60.

Kendrick Nunn injury leaves Malcolm Hill as lone Illini at Media Day

By Alex Roux • Oct 15, 2015
Daily Illini File Photo Illinois’ Leron Black (12) takes a shot during the game against Purdue at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana on Saturday, March 7, 2015. The Illini lost 63-58.

As injuries mount, Illini basketball’s prospects grows murkier

By Alex Roux • Oct 13, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce watches the exhibition game against Quincy at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014.The Illini won 91-62.

Illini hoops recruiting settles into a lull

By Alex Roux • Oct 6, 2015
Jason Leigh, an ACES alum, drinks a beer bong in Grange Grove before the Homecoming football game against Wisconsin on Saturday, October 24.

SAE working to establish Greek presence in Grange Grove

By Alex Roux • Oct 5, 2015
Former Illini Brian Randle returns home for historic exhibition

Former Illini Brian Randle returns home for historic exhibition

By Alex Roux • Sep 29, 2015

Xavier Sneed is heading to Kansas State

By Alex Roux • Sep 28, 2015
Illini Drive Special Segment: Will Leitch Interview

Illini Drive Special Segment: Will Leitch Interview

By Alex Roux • Sep 25, 2015
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