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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
Conor Blount

Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter

My name is Conor Blount. I’m a junior in aerospace engineering with a minor in computer science. I joined The Daily Illini in the summer of 2022 as a beat writer for the sports section and am now one of three assistant sports editors. My first beat was women’s tennis before I moved to women’s basketball in the spring. I also had the pleasure of covering several former Illini at the 2023 NFL draft and NBA summer league. If you have any questions, I can be reached at the email below.

Sophomore guard Ty Rodgers looks to pass the ball around the court as the defense picks up heavily on Jan. 14.

Big Ten schedule continues for No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball against Maryland

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 14, 2024
Sophomore Ty Rodgers completes a dunk in the first half against Michigan State on Thursday. Rodgers contributed a total of 15 points during the encounter.

No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball gets back into win column with narrow victory over Michigan State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 11, 2024
Forward Quincy Guerrier makes a huge 3 pointer in the last few minutes of the game against University of Missouri on Dec. 22.

Notes, player grades from No. 9 Illinois men’s basketball’s narrow loss to No. 1 Purdue

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Jan 6, 2024
Former Illini Marcus Domask drills a jump shot in the second half against Northwestern on Jan. 2. Domask has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Chicago Bulls.

Domask, Hawkins lead No. 9 Illinois men’s basketball to blowout victory over Northwestern

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 2, 2024

Braggin’ Rights in sight of No. 13 Illinois men’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 22, 2023
Senior Forward Coleman Hawkins prepares for a jump shot shortly after entering the game against Colgate on Sunday.

Balanced effort leads No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball to victory over Colgate 

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 17, 2023
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins fakes a pass to his teammates in the first half of the game against Marquette on Nov. 14.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 86-79 road defeat to No. 17 Tennessee

By James Kim and Conor Blount • Dec 10, 2023
Forward Quincy Guerrier during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20, 2023. The first half of the game ended in a score of 59 for Illinois and 9 for Ottawa.

No. 20 Illinois men’s basketball falls at hands of No. 17 Tennessee

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 9, 2023
Guard Justin Harmon keeps the ball away from Eastern Illinois on Nov. 6.

Notes, player grades from No. 20 Illinois men’s basketball’s upset victory over No. 11 Florida Atlantic

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Dec 6, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. holds position of the ball as Eastern Illinois guard Isaiah Griffin follows to defend on Nov. 6.

Notes, player grades from No. 24 Illinois’ Big Ten-opening victory over Rutgers

By James Kim and Conor Blount • Dec 3, 2023
Guard/forward Quincy Guerrier hangs from the hoop after going for a dunk against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 6.

No. 24 Illinois men’s basketball gets first conference win in double-digit victory over Rutgers

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 2, 2023
Redshirt Freshman Guard Niccolo Moretti during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20. The first half of the game ended in a score of 59 for Illinois and 30 for Ottawa.

End-of-November duel with Western Illinois awaits Illinois men’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 23, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. powers through two Southern players in the second half on Sunday. Despite an early foul limiting his first-half playing time, Shannon emerged as the top scorer of the night, tallying 24 points.

No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball grabs fourth win in 88-60 night against Southern

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 19, 2023
Sophomore guard Ty Rodgers drives up the court against Southern on Sunday.

Notes, player grades from No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball’s come from behind win over Valparaiso

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Nov 19, 2023

Bounceback opportunity against Valparaiso awaits No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 17, 2023
Guard/forward Marcus Domask looks for a way through Marquette's defense to get to the hoop during the second half of Monday night's game. The Golden Eagles defeated the Illini at the State Farm Center 71-64.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 71-64 defeat by No. 4 Marquette

By James Kim and Conor Blount • Nov 15, 2023
Guard/forward Marcus Domask looks for a way through Marquette's defense to get to the hoop during the second half of Monday night's game. The Golden Eagles defeated the Illini at the State Farm Center 71-64.

No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball suffers first loss at hands of No. 4 Marquette

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 14, 2023
Former Illini Quincy Guerrier attempts a dunk against the Oakland defense during the first half on Friday. Guerrier has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors.

Notes, player grades from No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball’s hard-fought win over Oakland

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Nov 12, 2023
Guard/forward Marcus Domask jumps to the net during Monday's game against Eastern Illinois.

Battle-tested Oakland next up for No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 10, 2023

From theory to application: UI professor details unique path to CU

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 8, 2023
Forward Dain Dainja during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20, 2023. The first half of the game ended in a score of 59 for Illinois and 9 for Ottawa.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ season-opening 28-point victory over Eastern Illinois

By James Kim and Conor Blount • Nov 7, 2023
Guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn dunks the ball during the first half of Illinois game against Eastern Illinois on Monday night. The Illini's first official game of the season resulted in a 80-52 victory against the Panthers.

No. 25 Illinois menʼs basketball begins 2023-24 season with emphatic win over Eastern Illinois

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 6, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins during the first half rushes to get through Kansas center Hunter Dickinson's defense during Sunday's exhibition match.

Notes, player grades from Illinoisʼ 82-75 exhibition upset over No. 1 Kansas

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Oct 30, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. shoots the ball during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20. Shannon Jr. scores 18 points in 16 minutes.

Illinois men’s basketball to meet Kansas in Maui Strong Relief Matchup

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 28, 2023
Josie Frazier dives to return a volley in the game against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3.

Illinois women’s tennis wraps up fall team competition at TCU Invite, ITA National Championships

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 27, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. leaps to the hoop making a score against Ottawa during the first half on Friday night's game.

No. 25 Illinois menʼs basketball gets off to strong start with 116-65 win over Ottawa

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 20, 2023

Illinois tennis closes out exciting 2-week stretch of action

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 8, 2023
Hunter Heck and Karlis Ozolins Team Up in Doubles Match Against Wisconsin at Atkins Tennis Center on Apr. 14th.

8 members of Illinois men’s tennis look to make splash at ITA All-American Championships

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 29, 2023

Illinois women’s tennis kicks of fall season split between North Carolina, Texas

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 29, 2023
Outfielder Kelly Ryono set to sprint from the plate on Mar. 29 during a game against Indiana. The Illini will be facing off against Parkland on Thursday.

Three up, three down in first week of Illinois softball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 25, 2023
Sophomore Kenta Miyoshi serves against Michael Minasyan playing for Wisconsin in singles on Apr. 14.

Miyoshi’s championship win in Milwaukee headlines first weekend of men’s tennis

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 25, 2023

Fall season begins with pair of invitationals for Illinois men’s tennis

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 21, 2023

Illinois softball preps for fall slate of exhibition series

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 18, 2023

Illinois volleyball gets back on track with 3-1 victory over Bradley

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 13, 2023
Middle blocker Kennedy Collins in position to volley the ball against Maryland on Sept. 23, 2022. The Illini suffered a defeat from Notre Dame and Oklahoma on Thursday and Friday.

Illinois volleyball drops both legs of weekend doubleheader

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 8, 2023
Doubles partners Kate Duong (front) and Megan Heuser (rear) hype each other up between serves.

Duong, Heuser bring home legendary season amid injuries

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 8, 2023

5-set thriller ends with Illinois volleyball on bottom

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 1, 2023

Illinois volleyball prepares to host Wichita State with hopes to remain undefeated

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 31, 2023
The Illini come together celebrating on Sept. 23, 2022 during a match against Maryland. The Illini had their first home home game on Tuesday which ended in another win for the Illini.

Illinois cruises to sweeping victory over Valparaiso, moves to 2-0 on year

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 30, 2023

Illinois volleyball begins home opening stand against Valparaiso

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 29, 2023
The Illini rush to block Purdue's attempt to score on Sept. 30, 2022. The Illini start their season off with a win against Northern Illinois on Sunday.

Illinois volleyball rallies for season opening victory over Northern Illinois

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 26, 2023

Illinois volleyball begins 2023 campaign with trip to Northern Illinois

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 25, 2023
Illinois football ramps up for start of 2023 regular season

Illinois football ramps up for start of 2023 regular season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 15, 2023
Senior outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball during a game against Purdue on Sept. 30. After last season’s perfectly even record, the Illini hope to bounce back for a more productive year.

Illinois volleyball gears up for bounce-back 2023 season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 15, 2023
One-year Illini Matthew Mayer on the floor for his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mayer has contributed to three of Houston's five wins and will play a big role in the championship game on Monday.

Matthew Mayer and the Houston Rockets headed to NBA 2K24 Summer League finals

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 16, 2023
Two-year Illini Tevian Jones (30) keeping attentive while playing off-ball defense against the Golden State Warriors. Jones changed gears after a team-high 16-point performance on Tuesday for a defensively sound, one steal and two block, night against Charlotte.

Two-year Illini Tevian Jones follows up excellent offensive performance with an equally impressive night on defense

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 14, 2023

Former Illini Alan Griffin sees just two minutes in blowout loss to the Miami Heat

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 13, 2023
Former Illini Matthew Mayer checking in for his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, Mayer and the Houston Rockets have won two games to clinch a spot in the Summer League semifinals.

Mayer and Podziemski face-off in final game before NBA 2K24 Summer League playoffs

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 13, 2023
Malcolm Hill, member of Illinois men's basketball from 2013-2017, preparing to take a shot from the corner against the Indiana Pacers. After an efficient pair of games to open the NBA 2K24 Summer League, Hill contributed to a night that saw three former Illini total two made baskets.

Podziemski, Hill and Smith combine for just two baskets in day six of the NBA 2K24 Summer League

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 13, 2023
Former Illini Tevian Jones playing off-ball defense in New Orleans' game two victory over Golden State. Jones saw increased minutes against Phoenix and took full advantage, earning a team-high 16 points.

Tevian Jones, two-year Illini, leads New Orleans past Phoenix with a team-high 16 points

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 12, 2023
Former Illini Alan Griffin and the Milwaukee Bucks during a timeout in the first quarter. Through the first half both teams were neck and neck but a dominant third quarter from the Brooklyn Nets opened up the opportunity for Griffin's NBA 2K24 Summer League debut.

Two-year Illini, Alan Griffin, makes NBA 2K24 Summer League debut against Brooklyn Nets

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 11, 2023
One-year Illini Matthew Mayer on the floor during his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut. After sitting for Houston's first two games, Mayer earned a 19 point, 10 rebound double-double.

Explosive showing from Matthew Mayer yields highest scoring performance of any former Illini thus far

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 11, 2023
Promotional images for the NBA 2K24 Summer League outside of the Thomas and Mack Center. Day five of the week and a half long event will see three former Illini suit up for NBA organizations.

Day five of the NBA 2K24 Summer League features back-to-back-to-back former Illini

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 11, 2023
Former Illini, Malcolm Hill, driving to the basket for his second made field goal of the day. Both of his makes came in the fourth quarter of a 108-85 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Former Illini Malcolm Hill sees increased role in Orlando’s 108-85 loss to Indiana

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 11, 2023
Promotional material located in the concourse outside UNLV's Cox Pavilion. The logos of all 30 NBA organizations participating in the NBA 2K24 Summer League are shown.

Day four of NBA 2K24 Summer League sees Malcolm Hill as lone former Illini on schedule

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 10, 2023
Illinois baseball RHP Jack Wenninger selected by New York Mets in sixth round of MLB Draft

Illinois baseball RHP Jack Wenninger selected by New York Mets in sixth round of MLB Draft

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 10, 2023
Illinois baseball’s Riley Gowens selected by Atlanta Braves in ninth round of MLB Draft

Illinois baseball’s Riley Gowens selected by Atlanta Braves in ninth round of MLB Draft

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 10, 2023
Ending statlines from the New Orleans Pelican's victory over the Golden State Warriors as shown on the jumbotron at Thomas and Mack Center. One year Illini Brandin Podziemski had the most impressive statline by any former Illini on the day, coming just one rebound shy of his first triple-double.

Near triple-double performance from Podziemski leads former Illini at day three of NBA 2K24 Summer League

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 10, 2023
Member of 2021-22 Illinois basketball, Brandin Podziemski, stands at center court during his teammate's free throws. Podziemski and the Golden State Warriors suffered their second loss of the NBA 2K24 Summer League at the hands of two year Illini Tevian Jones and the New Orleans Pelicans this Sunday.

Pair of former Illini face off in versatile late night matchup

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 10, 2023
After making his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut, former Illini Mark Smith (13) awaits his return during the second quarter of the Denver Nuggets contest with the Atlanta Hawks.

Mark Smith, member of 2017-18 Illinois basketball, makes NBA 2K24 Summer League debut

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 9, 2023
Former Illini Matthew Mayer and the rest of the Houston Rockets bench supporting their squad against the Detroit Pistons. In Houston's second game of the NBA 2K24 Summer League, it came out with a 113-101 victory.

Matthew Mayer ends day three of NBA 2K24 Summer League without touching court

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 9, 2023
Promotional material for the NBA 2K24 Summer League located inside the concourse of host UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center.

Third day of NBA 2K24 Summer League features former Illini in two mainstage games

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 9, 2023
Promotional material for the NBA 2K24 Summer League located in the concourse level of host UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center.

Day two of NBA 2K24 Summer League sees spot minutes for former Illini

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 9, 2023
Alan Griffin, member of Illinois basketball from 2018-2020, cheers on the Milwaukee Bucks from the sidelines in their eventual 84-75 win over the Phoenix Suns. Through two contests, the Bucks are undefeated but Griffin has not been given any minutes.

Alan Griffin, two-year member of Illinois basketball, receives second straight DNP-CD

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 9, 2023
Former Illini Malcolm Hill (left) being guarded by Ausar Thompson (right), No. 5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, during Hill and the Magic's NBA 2K24 Summer League debut.

Four-year Illinois veteran Malcolm Hill shines in limited minutes in NBA 2K24 Summer League debut

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 8, 2023
Mid-court logo depicting the NBA 2K24 Summer League logo inside of Thomas and Mack Center.

Two former Illini on schedule for second day of NBA 2K24 Summer League

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 8, 2023
Member of the 2021-22 Illinois men's basketball team Brandin Podziemski guards at center court for the Golden State Warriors.

Former Illini Brandin Podziemski stands out in debut game at NBA 2K24 Summer League

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 7, 2023
The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets prepare to tip-off, with former Illini Alan Griffin and Mark Smith absent.

Trio of former Illini struggle to get time on court to open NBA 2K24 Summer League

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 7, 2023
Two year Illini Tevian Jones guards the wing for the New Orleans Pelicans in his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut.

Former Illini guard Tevian Jones makes impact in limited minutes

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 7, 2023
Front entrance of UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center. The primetime events at the NBA 2K24 Summer League will be held inside, while the remaining games will be in connected Cox Pavilion.

Several former Illini get ready to tip-off at NBA 2K24 Summer League

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 7, 2023

January rule change nets Illinois women’s basketball two additional assistant coaches

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 3, 2023

NCAA rule change paves way for two new men’s basketball assistant coaches

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 3, 2023
Illinois football adds in-state three-star DL to 2024 recruiting class

Illinois football adds in-state three-star DL to 2024 recruiting class

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jun 27, 2023
Guard Jada Peebles looks for an opening against Alcorn State on Sunday. The Illini guard was confirmed to be returning for another year on June 14.

Senior guard Jada Peebles announces return for 5th year with Illinois

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jun 14, 2023

Illinois football displays historic showing in 2023 NFL draft

By Conor Blount and Adam Rosen • May 1, 2023

Denver Broncos sign former Illini Alex Palczewski as undrafted free agent

By Adam Rosen and Conor Blount • Apr 29, 2023
#93 Defensive line Calvin Avery pushes off off Michigan State on Nov. 5 during Dads Day. Avery signed with the Vikings during the NFL Draft on Saturday as a undrafted free agent.

Former Illinois defensive tackle Calvin Avery signs with Minnesota Vikings as undrafted free agent

By Adam Rosen and Conor Blount • Apr 29, 2023
Running back Chase Brown plays against Chattanooga during hall of fame weekend on Sept. 22. Brown was selected during the NFL draft on Saturday to join the Cincinnati Bengals in fifth round picks.

Former Illini running back Chase Brown headed to Cincinnati in 5th round

By Conor Blount and Adam Rosen • Apr 29, 2023
Senior defensive back Jartavius Martin locks eyes with his Michigan State opponent during the Dads day game on Nov. 5. Martin was drafted to the Washing Commanders during the second round of NFL drafts on Friday.

Former Illinois football star Quan Martin selected in second round by Washington Commanders

By Adam Rosen and Conor Blount • Apr 28, 2023
Devon Witherspoon at the NFL Draft on Thursday. Seattle chose Witherspoon as their number five pick in the first round.

[Photo] Seattle selects Devon Witherspoon with 5th pick in 2023 NFL draft

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 27, 2023
Outside linebacker Alec Bryan yells during a game against Purdue on Nov. 12 as his teammates Shawn Miller, wide receiver and defensive back Devon Witherspoon stand behind him. With the upcoming 2023 NFL draft it is expected for Illini athletes such as Witherspoon to be picked to play in the NFL.

Illinois football set to be well-represented at 2023 NFL draft

By Adam Rosen and Conor Blount • Apr 26, 2023

History strikes for Illinois women’s golf with 1st Big Ten championship in program history

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 25, 2023
Senior Ashley Yeah returns a serve against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. Yeah and Casati were honored for a successful four years of representing Illinois at Senior Night this season.

Weekend pair of tough matches get the best of Illinois women’s tennis, close spring season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 23, 2023

Illinois men’s gymnastics takes home individual, team honors at NCAA championships

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 16, 2023

Big Ten Championships await No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 31, 2023
Following the Grand Jury's vote to indict him, Donald Trump will be the first ever president to face criminal charges. Trump is facing another trial with criminal implications after being indicted on 37 federal charges on June 8.

Trump to be first former president to face criminal charges

By Lika Lezhava and Conor Blount • Mar 30, 2023
Junior Kate Duong celebrates scoring against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. Duong and sophomore Kida Ferrari brought the Illini to a third set on Sunday against Purdue leading to the Illini to remain undefeated.

Illinois women’s tennis battles Purdue, continues undefeated in Big Ten play

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 26, 2023

Historic Illinois women’s basketball season closes with 70-56 loss to Mississippi State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 15, 2023

Selection Sunday brings mixed emotions for Illinois women’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 14, 2023

Illinois women’s basketball fall in Big Ten tournament quarterfinals

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 4, 2023
Junior guard Makira Cook yells during a game against Nebraska on Feb. 22. On Thursday, Cook had a strong performance against Rutgers, putting up 24 points.

Absurd shooting gives Illinois women‘s basketball comfortable trip to Big Ten tournament quarterfinals

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 3, 2023
Guard Jada Peebles and Forward/Center Geovana Lopes during their senior night after their last home game on Wednesday. The Illini ended of their last game on Sunday against Rutgers.

Illinois women’s basketball closes regular season on high note with dominant win at Rutgers

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 26, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins after a missed shot by the Illini during the first half of Thursday night's game against Northwestern. Struggling with offense, the Illini fell to Ohio State on Sunday.

Illinois men’s basketball unable to overtake Ohio State, falls 72–60

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 26, 2023
Junior forward Kendall Bostic guards Nebraska’s Isabelle Bourne during Illinois’ final home game on Wednesday.

Injuries leave No. 25 Illinois women’s basketball shorthanded in final home game of regular season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 22, 2023
Forward Kendall Bostic enjoying herself during a game against Michigan State on Jan. 29. Bostic tied for a season high in rebounds during a game against Penn State on Sunday.

Illinois women’s basketball earns first 20-win season for first time in 15 years

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 19, 2023
Fifth-year forward Matthew Mayers readies to inbound the ball against Rutgers on Feb. 11. During the first half, Mayer had an impressive streak scoring 11 points in three minutes.

Down-to-the-wire showdown ends with No. 14 Indiana on top of Illinois men’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 18, 2023
Sophomore Karlis Ozolins hits a backhand during a match against the University of Central Florida. Ozolins had a strong performance and won his second set during singles against one of the top-ranked players in the nation.

Masterful performance from Ozolins lifts Illinois men’s tennis to upset win over No. 13 Georgia

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 16, 2023
Sophomores Kida Ferrari and Kasia Treiber prepare for a serve during a doubles match against Illinois State on Sunday. The duo won their match, despite falling behind early on.

Illinois women’s tennis finishes weekend with 5-2 win over Illinois State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 12, 2023
Guar Makira Cook attempts to block a shot by Michigan Sate on Jan. 29. Cook managed to give the Illini a short comeback on Sunday against Maryland unfortunately, the Illini was not able maintain the lead resulting in a win for Maryland.

Illinois women’s basketball comes up short against No. 8 Maryland

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 12, 2023
Doubles partners senior Ashley Yeah and freshman Violeta Martinez celebrate between serves during a match against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. This weekend, the Illini will travel to St. Louis, where they hope to improve over last week's performance.

Illinois women’s tennis prepares for busy double header weekend

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 10, 2023
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