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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
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood claps as he walks back to the bench during the game against Purdue at the State Farm Center on Feb. 22. Underwood has recruited Oak Hill Academy center Kofi Cockburn for the class of 2019.

Illinois basketball lands four-star center, Kofi Cockburn

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • January 7, 2019
Illinois head coach Brad Underood talks to guard Alan Griffin (0) during the game against UNLV at State Farm Center on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018.

Illinois hangs around but loses battle to Indiana

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • January 4, 2019
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter sets the ball during the match against Wisconsin in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament at Huff Hall on Saturday. The Illini won 3-1.

Unfamiliar venue will pose challenge for Illinois

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • December 13, 2018
Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu dribbles the ball during the game against UNLV at State Farm Center on Saturday.

Point guard play is hallmark of Illini basketball

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • December 13, 2018
Illinois center Samba Kane fights for a position to rebound a free throw during the game against UNLV at the State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini won 77-74.

Illini snaps losing streak with win over Rebels

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • December 10, 2018
Illinois center Samba Kane goes up for a layup during the game against UNLV at the State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini won 77-74.

Kane earns court time, helps Illini in win over UNLV

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • December 10, 2018
Illinois middle blocker Ashlyn Fleming (12) celebrates with setter Jordyn Poulter (1) after scoring a point during the match against Marquette in the third round of the NCAA tournament at Huff Hall on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois headed to Elite 8 after sweep of Marquette

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • December 7, 2018
Illinois forward Kipper Nichols (2) shoots the ball during the game against Illinois Wesleyan at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.

Familiar problems keep Illini from United Center victory

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • December 6, 2018
Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu goes up for a layup during the game against Mississippi Valley State at State Farm Center on Nov. 25. The freshman has been a key part of the Illini’s early season start.

New players are mainstays for Illini

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • December 6, 2018
Illinois forward Kipper Nichols drives to the basket during the game against Mississippi Valley State at State Farm Center on Nov. 25. The Illini won 86-67.

Underwood searches for perfect lineup

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • December 3, 2018
Illinois senior guard Aaron Jordan (23) goes up for a dunk during the game against Mississippi Valley State at the State Farm Center on Sunday. The Illini won 86-67.

Illinois looking to improve defense against Notre Dame

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • November 27, 2018
Illinois guard Trent Frazier (1) drives to the basket during the game against Evansville at State Farm Center on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. The Illini won 99-60.

Illini leave Maui Invitational empty-handed

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • November 26, 2018
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter (1) and middle blocker Ali Bastianelli (5) try to block the ball during the match against Purdue at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.

Team set for NCAA tournament after win

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • November 26, 2018
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches his team from the sideline during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018.

Illini secure first recruit of 2019 class

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • November 13, 2018
Members of the Spike Squad student section sing “Hail to the Orange” during a break in the match against Penn State at Huff Hall on November 10. The Illini won 3-2.

Volleyball takes down Penn State

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • November 12, 2018
Illinois guard Trent Frazier (1) and forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) celebrate from the bench during the game against Evansville at State Farm Center on Nov. 8.

Illinois grab season opener in blowout win over Evansville

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • November 9, 2018
Illinois guard Andres Feliz goes up for a layup during the exhibition game against Illinois Wesleyan at State Farm Center on Friday. The Illini won 83-67.

Illinois to rely heavily on guard play to lead team

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • November 8, 2018
Trent Frazier, Leron Black and Te’Jon Lucas help up teammate Da’Monte Williams during Illinois’ 86-93 loss to No. 6 Purdue on Feb. 22.

Team relies on young talent as season nears

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • November 1, 2018
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade spikes the ball during the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Oct. 19. The Illini won 3-2.

Comeback effort extends win streak

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 29, 2018
Illinois middle blocker Ali Bastianelli passes the ball during the match against Iowa at Huff Hall on Sept. 28 Bastianelli has recently achieved the school record in blocks and became the all-time block assist record leader in the Big Ten.

Bastianelli hits record books

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 25, 2018
Illinois forward Kipper Nichols (2) drives to the basket during the game against Iowa at State Farm Center on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. The Illini lost in overtime 104-97.

Illini get heated in open practice

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 22, 2018
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade hits the ball from the back row during the match against Nebraska at Huff Hall on Sept. 29. The Illini lost 3-1.

Illini beat Badgers in away rematch

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 15, 2018
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches his team from the sideline during the game against Wisconsin at the State Farm Center on Feb. 8. Underwood and his team showed off their preparation in front of a crowd eager to get a look at the new team on Saturday at the Homecoming open practice.

Illini show promise with new starters in open practice

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 15, 2018
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches his team from the sideline during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018.

Underwood addresses season at Basketball Media Days

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 12, 2018
Illinois defensive specialist Morgan O'Brien (16) passes the ball during the match against Northern Iowa at Huff Hall on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. The Illini won 3-0.

Coaching staff brings professional energy

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 11, 2018
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter (1) sets the ball during the match against Iowa at Huff Hall on Sept. 28. The Illini won 3-0.

Illini back on track after win

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 8, 2018
Trent Frazier takes a breath during Illinois’ 93-86 loss to No. 6 Purdue on Feb. 22.

Illini experience plenty of change in new season

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 8, 2018
Illinois middle blocker Ali Bastianelli tips the ball during the match against Northern Iowa at Huff Hall on Sept. 14. The Illini take on No. 5 Wisconsin on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Illinois regroups before taking on fifth-ranked Wisconsin

By Brian Binz • October 4, 2018
Illinois middle blocker Ali Bastianelli (5), outside hitter Jacqueline Quade (7) and defensive specialist Megan O'Brien (16) celebrate after outside hitter Beth Prince (8) scored a kill during the match against Nebraska at Huff Hall in on Sept. 29, 2018. The Illini lost 3-1.

Illini bring top 10 battle to Stuff Huff

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • October 1, 2018
Prince brings impact on and off court

Prince brings impact on and off court

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • September 27, 2018
Illinois sets up first conference victory

Illinois sets up first conference victory

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • September 24, 2018
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas watches his team from the sideline during the match against Northern Iowa at Huff Hall on Friday. Illinois now looks ahead to Big Ten play.

Illini hit the road to begin Big Ten schedule

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • September 20, 2018
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter (left) and middle blocker Ali Bastianelli (right) attempt to block the ball during the match against Northern Iowa at Huff Hall on Friday. The Illini won 3-0.

Energy, teamwork lead Illinois to sweep

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • September 17, 2018
Illini come home to Huff Hall

Illini come home to Huff Hall

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • September 13, 2018
Outside hitter Jacqueline Quade prepares to spike the ball in Illinois’ game against Wisconsin on Nov. 17.

Cooney, O’Brien, Kuper lead way to tournament sweep

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • September 10, 2018
Junior Jacqueline Quade relays the ball against Washington on Saturday. The Illini went on to beat the No. 13 Huskies 3-1 and sweep the Big Ten/Pac-12 challenge. Quade has been a go-to performer for the Illini early on this season.

Illinois sweeps Big Ten/Pac-12 challenge

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • September 6, 2018
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas watches his team from the sideline during the match against Stanford at Huff Hall on Friday, September 8. The Illini lost 3-0.

Tamas unifies team through social media pushes

By Brian Binz, Sports Reporter • August 30, 2018
The Illini softball team celebrates at home plate after outfielder Veronica Ruelius (00) hit a home run during the game against Northwestern at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2018.

Illinois kicks off home stand looking for consistency

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • April 19, 2018
The Illini softball team celebrates at home plate after outfielder Carly Thomas (25) hit a home run during the game against Northwestern at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2018.

Illinois’ positive vibes infectious

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • April 19, 2018
Illinois right fielder Maddi Doane catches a fly ball during the game against Minnesota at Eichelberger Field on April 1. The Illini won 4-3.

Softball drops doubleheader to Badgers

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 16, 2018
Illinois outfielder Maddi Doane (14) hits the ball during the game against Northwestern at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2018.

Once enemies, Illinois teammates now together

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • April 12, 2018
Illinois pitcher Taylor Edwards throws a pitch during Illinois’ home game against Maryland on April 7. The Illini are preparing to play in their second tournament of the 2019 season.

Illini sweep weekend series

By Brian Binz • April 9, 2018
Illinois' Leigh Farina (23) hits the ball during the game against Northwestern at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2018.

Illinois softball looks to extend hot stretch into Big Ten play

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • March 29, 2018
The Illini are a combined 96-53 since Perry took over the program.

Perry’s 500th win was business as usual

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • March 29, 2018
Illinois' Nick Fabbrini walks back to the bench after the Ohio hockey game at the Ice Arena on Friday, October 24, 2014. The Illini won 2-1.

Fabbrini leads Illini back to ACHA playoffs

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • March 8, 2018
James McGing gains possession of the puck against Lindenwood and skates it up the ice at the Ice Arena on Friday, Dec. 1. Illini won in overtime 2-1.

Ritondale, Illini, ready for playoffs

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • February 22, 2018
Joey Ritondale skates back into Illinois’ zone after Robert Morris gains possession of the puck at the University of Illinois Ice Arena on Feb. 18. Illinois fell to Robert Morris, 3-2.

Illinois men’s hockey gets overtime split at Ohio

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • February 12, 2018
Drew Richter skates back to Illinois' zone as McKendree gains possession of the puck at the Ice Arena on Friday, Oct. 13th. Illinois beat McKendree 4-2.

Richter finding his speed for men’s hockey

By Brian Binz, Staff Writer • February 5, 2018
Joey Ritondale skates back into Illini's zone after Robert Morris gains possession of the puck at the Ice Arena on Saturday, Feb. 18. Illini fell to Robert Morris 3-2.

Defense leads Illinois hockey to weekend sweep

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • January 29, 2018
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik strikes back the ball in the meet against University of Kentucky on Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

Drake to take on Illinois in NCAA first round

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • May 3, 2017
Aron Hiltzik hits a backhand against Michigan State on April 15. Michigan eliminated Illinois from the conference tournament this past weekend. They have 10 days to recuperate before NCAA.

Men’s tennis falls in Big Ten semifinals

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • May 1, 2017
Illinois' Alex Jesse goes low to return the ball in the match against University of Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

Illinois men’s tennis team sets sights on Big Ten title

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 26, 2017
Illini Of The Week: Aleks Vukic

Illini Of The Week: Aleks Vukic

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 26, 2017
Aleks Vukic serves against Michigan State at on April 15, 2016. Ohio State defeated Illinois this past weekend 4-2.

Vukic beats No. 1 player; team falls to Ohio State

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 23, 2017
Illinois’ Aron Hiltzik gets ready to return a ball against Wisconsin at the Atkins Tennis Center on April 3.

Illinois men’s tennis team still has room to improve despite win

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 22, 2017
Illinois’ Aron Hiltzik hits an overhead against Kentucky on Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini take on Penn State and Ohio State this weekend. While the team has been inconsistent this season, it is currently riding a winning streak.

Illinois men’s tennis looks to keep winning streak alive

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 19, 2017
Illinois’ Aron Hiltzik gets ready to return a ball against Wisconsin at the Atkins Tennis Center on April 3.

Illinois men’s tennis get pair of road wins in Hiltzik’s return

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 16, 2017
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik prepares to hit a forehand against Kentucky on Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center. The team will take on Michigan and Michigan State on the road this weekend.

Illinois men’s tennis looks to continue win streak on the road

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 12, 2017
Illinois' Vuk Budic returns the ball during the match against Iowa at Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday, April 8.

Illinois men’s tennis reveals the secret of the grunt

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 12, 2017
Illinois’ Alex Jesse returns a ball against Iowa at the Atkins Tennis Center on Saturday. Illinois is on a three-game win streak after defeating Iowa and Nebraska.

Men’s tennis serves shutout against Nebraska

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 9, 2017
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik follows through on a swing in the meet against University of Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

Illinois men’s tennis wins in its return home

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 8, 2017
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik follows through on a swing in the meet against University of Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

Illinois men’s tennis looks to rally at home

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • April 5, 2017
Illinois' Isaiah Martinez wrestles with Michigan's Logan Massa in the 165 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Friday, January 20.

Illinois wrestling Martinez falls short of third consecutive title

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • March 28, 2017
Illini of the week March 8: Isaiah Martinez

Illini of the week March 8: Isaiah Martinez

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • March 9, 2017
Illinois’ Kyle Langenderfer celebrates after defeating Michigan’s Brian Murphy in the 157 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Jan. 20. Langenderfer and eight of his roommates are preparing for the Big Ten tournament.

Illinois wrestling begins postseason journey

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • March 2, 2017
Illinois' Zac Brunson wrestles with Michigan's Myles Amine in the 174 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Friday, Jan. 20. Brunson celebrated his 100th win against Indiana from his final home match Sunday. The Illini ended the regular season 9-3, 6-3.

Brunson gets win No. 100 in Illinois wrestling senior night victory

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • February 13, 2017
Illinois' Zane Richards wrestles with Michigan's Stevan Micic in the 133 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Friday, January 20. Richards won by decision and the Illini defeated the Wolverines 34-6.

Illinois wrestling win streak up to six after derailing Purdue

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • February 6, 2017
Illinois' Isaiah Martinez grapples against Minnesota's Brandon Kingsley in Huff Hall on Feb. 12 2016.

Illini win streak up to four after weekend victories

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • January 30, 2017
Illinois' Isaiah Martinez wrestles with Michigan's Logan Massa in the 165 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Friday, January 20. Martinez won by decision and the Illini defeated the Wolverines 34-6.

Illinois wrestling look to continue streak

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • January 27, 2017
Illini of the Week Jan. 25: Isaiah Martinez

Illini of the Week Jan. 25: Isaiah Martinez

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • January 25, 2017
Illinois' Zane Richards wrestles with Michigan's Stevan Micic in the 133 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Jan. 20. Richards won by decision, and the Illini defeated the Wolverines 34-6. The Illini’s victory moved their record to 3-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten.

Illini defeat Wolverines in top-15 Big Ten clash

By Brian Binz, Staff writer • January 23, 2017
After retrieving the ball from the scrum, Mario Lozano drop kicks the ball down the field during the game against Minnesota at the Complex Fields on Saturday, October 17.

Illinois club rugby falls to Ohio State

By Brian Binz, Contributing writer • October 10, 2016
ILLordle: Play now