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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’ Malcolm Hill (21) looks to pass the ball after grabbing a rebound during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Feb. 21.

Illinois fails to make NCAA tournament for another year

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • May 8, 2017
Former Illini Mannie Jackson is honored by having his jersey retired at Assembly Hall in 2013. Jackson was one of the first African-Americans to letter and start in basketball at Illinois. This September, he will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2017 along with nine other former stars.

Former Illini great Mannie Jackson inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Apr 2, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) celebrates after knocking down a three-point shot against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Tuesday, March 13.

Hill moves into third on all-time scoring list in NIT win

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 20, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) drives to the basket during the game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Tuesday, March 13.

Illinois men’s basketball preparing for Boise State

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 15, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) drives to the basket during the game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Tuesday, March 13.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois blows out Valparaiso in first game after Groce firing

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 14, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) drives to the basket during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Interim head coach Jamall Walker stresses continuity, motivation ahead of NIT

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 14, 2017
Fans hold up the flash lights on their phones for a light show before the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Illinois men’s basketball selected as No. 2 seed in NIT Tournament

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 12, 2017
Former Men's Basketball coach John Groce at today's press conference.

Athletic director Whitman, former men’s basketball head coach Groce address media

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 11, 2017
Illinois' Tracy Abrams (13) brings the ball up the floor during the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 11. The Illini lost 83-70.

Illinois men’s basketball falls 75-55 to Michigan in Big Ten Tournament

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 10, 2017
Michigan's Derrick Walton Jr. (10) drives to the basket against UCLA's Xavier Simpson in the first half on Dec. 10, 2016, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Illinois to open Big Ten Tournament against Michigan

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 9, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a three during the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, March 1.

Illinois will not have an easy path through the Big Ten Tournament

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 7, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) pulls up for a jumper during the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, March 1.

Illinois men’s basketball loses at Rutgers on last-second shot

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 4, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) pulls up for a jumper during the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, March 1.

Rutgers matchup could be a trap game for Illinois

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 3, 2017
Michigan State's head coach Tom Izzo yells at his bench during the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, March 1.

WATCH: Michigan State coach talks tonight’s defeat by Illini

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 2, 2017
Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Michigan State on March 1. Columnist Matt Gertsmeier says that though the Illini could use a fresh start, they could still have a chance in their must-win game against Michigan.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois takes down Michigan State 73-70 on Senior Night

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Mar 1, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) calls out the play during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Rapid recap: Illinois men’s basketball wins third straight at Nebraska

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 26, 2017
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Northwestern on Tuesday. Hill is now in sixth place on Illinois all-time scoring list.

Hill, seniors ready to make final push for postseason berth

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 23, 2017
Illinois' Leron Black (12) shoots a three during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois men’s basketball beats Northwestern 66-50

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 21, 2017
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sideline during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4.

Illinois has a chance to sweep Northwestern with win Tuesday

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 21, 2017
Illinois' Kipper Nichols (2) goes up for a layup during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Illinois on the cusp of back-to-back losing seasons in Big Ten

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 14, 2017
Illinois’ head coach John Groce watches from the sideline during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday. Groce’s eight-man rotation helped Illinois beat Northwestern in Evanston on Tuesday.

Changes in Groce’s rotation highlight Illinois men’s basketball win

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 9, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a three during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Illinois men’s basketball upsets Northwestern in first road Big Ten win

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 7, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) takes a jump shot during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Illinois men’s basketball looking to turn things around

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 7, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) fights for the ball with Minnesota's Akeem Springs (0) during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Rapid Recap: Illini fall to Gophers, drop third straight

By Lucas Wright, Staff Writer • Feb 4, 2017
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Tuesday.

Illinois men’s basketball struggling as season wears on

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Feb 2, 2017
Illinois' Leron Black (12) gets ready to go up for a layup after grabbing an offensive rebound during the game against Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Tuesday, January 31. The Illini lost 57-43.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois loses 57-43 to Wisconsin

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 31, 2017
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Ohio State at State Farm Center on Sunday, January 1.

Illini basketball looking for upset against Wisconsin

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 31, 2017
Illinois' Te'Jon Lucas (3) dribbles around his defender during the game against Iowa at State Farm Center on Wednesday, January 25.

Updated rapid recap:Illinois beats Iowa 76-64

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 25, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a pull-up jumper over Maryland's Melo Trimble during the game at State Farm Center on Saturday, January 14. The Illini lost 62-56.

Struggling Illinois has chance to rebound against Iowa

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 24, 2017
Malcolm Hill with the ball against Purdue on January 17th, 2017. The Illini lost 98-61

Illinois men’s basketball drops third straight in Big Ten play against Michigan

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 21, 2017
Malcolm Hill attempts to pass the ball to Te'Jon Lucas against Purdue on January 17th, 2017. The Illini lost 98-61.

Illinois men’s basketball looking to shake things up moving forward

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 19, 2017
Malcolm Hill with the ball against Purdue on January 17th, 2017. The Illini lost 98-61

Illinois men’s basketball falls to 2-4 in Big Ten with loss at Purdue

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Jan 17, 2017
Illinois' Leron Black (12) goes up for a layup during the game against North Carolina State at State Farm Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Illini won 88-74.

Unpredictability of Illinois basketball continues

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Dec 12, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a three during the game against IUPUI at State Farm Center on Tuesday, December 6. The Illini won 85-77.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois basketball edges out win over IUPUI

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Dec 6, 2016
Illinois' Jaylon Tate (1) brings the ball up the floor during the game against North Carolina State at State Farm Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Illini won 88-74.

Illini will have difficult task in VCU’s “Havoc” defense

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Dec 1, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) rises up for a jump shot during the game against North Carolina State at State Farm Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Illini won 88-74.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois takes down NC State 88-74 in ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 29, 2016
Te'Jon Lucas (3) dribbles the ball towards McKendree's basket in the game against McKendree on Tuesday. The Illini won 112-65.

Illinois men’s basketball faces first real test at NIT Season Tipoff

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 18, 2016
Illinois' Tracy Abrams drives to the basket during the game against Southeast Missouri at State Farm Center on Friday, November 11. The Illini won 81-62.

Illinois gets hot from three in 47-point win over McKendree

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 15, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce shouts instructions to his team from the sideline during the game against Northern Kentucky at State Farm Center on Sunday, November 13. The Illini won 81-62.

Illinois basketball set to host McKendree on Tuesday

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 15, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) throws up the three goggles after hitting a three-pointer in the game against Northern Kentucky at State Farm Center on Sunday, November 13. Hill scored 40 points in the Illini's 79-64 win.

Hill drops 40 in Illinois’ win over Northern Kentucky

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 13, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill goes up for a layup during the game against Southeast Missouri at State Farm Center on Friday. The Illini won 81-62.

Illinois men’s basketball wins season opener 81-62

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 11, 2016
Illinois' Malcolm Hill throws down a two-handed dunk during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Hill wants to leave a legacy at Illinois

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Nov 7, 2016
The University of Illinois Triathlon Team will host host to the 10th annual Tri-the-Illini triathlon on Sunday, September 25, 2016.

Tri-the-Illini triathlon set for this weekend

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Sep 21, 2016
Nick Hardy as the Illini of the Week.

Hardy takes little time to prove he is one of NCAA’s best golfers

By Lucas Wright, staff writer • Sep 14, 2016
Mens golf coach Mike Small speaks with his team during practice at the University of Illinois Golf Course.

Illinois men’s golf coach Mike Small receives new contract

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Sep 8, 2016

Softball completes sweep over Iowa

By Lucas Wright, Staff Writer • May 5, 2016
Illinois’ Ruby Rivera hits a ground ball to second base during game one of the doubleheader against Nebraska at Eichelberger Field on Saturday, March 26. The Illini won game one 8-3 and game two 10-2.

Slow start for Illini softball is not cause for panic

By Lucas Wright • Apr 11, 2016

Illini softball drops doubleheader at Minnesota

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Apr 10, 2016
Illinois' Jade Vecvanags pitches in the game against Rutgers at Eichelberger Field on Sunday, Apr. 3, 2016

Illinois softball team travels to Minnesota for a conference matchup

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • Apr 6, 2016
Illinois' Breanna Wonderly pitches in the game against Rutgers at Eichelberger Field on Sunday, Apr. 3, 2016

Illini prepare for game with Illinois State

By Lucas Wright • Apr 4, 2016
Illinois' Nicole Evans (40) sprints for first base during the softball game v. Indiana at Eichelberger Field on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2015. Illinois won 22-12.

Illini softball to host struggling Rutgers

By Lucas Wright • Mar 30, 2016
Illinois' Alyssa Gunther (2) swings at the ball during the softball game v. Indiana at Eichelberger Field on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2015. Illinois won 22-12.

Illinois softball shines during spring break

By Lucas Wright • Mar 27, 2016

Illinois hockey bounced from first round of nationals

By Lucas Wright • Mar 4, 2016
Illinois' John Olen shoots the puck at the game against Indiana Tech on Saturday, February 27, 2016.

Illinois hockey is geared up for a tournament run

By Lucas Wright • Feb 29, 2016

Hockey completes senior weekend sweep

By Lucas Wright • Feb 28, 2016

Illinois hockey gears up for final homestand

By Lucas Wright • Feb 24, 2016

Olen’s time with Illinois hockey is running out

By Lucas Wright • Feb 16, 2016

Olen nets hat trick in much-needed Illini hockey win

By Lucas Wright • Feb 13, 2016
Illinois' James Mcging carries the puck up the ice during the game against Lindenwold University at the Ice Arena on Saturday, January 30. The Illini lost 4-1.

Illini hockey needs big weekend vs. ISU

By Lucas Wright • Feb 10, 2016
Zoe Grant The Daily Illini Zev Grumet-Morris blocks a goal during the game against Oklahoma on January 31, 2015.

Illini hockey blows lead, falls to Bobcats 7-5

By Lucas Wright • Feb 6, 2016
Illinois' James McGing carries the puck up the ice during the game against Lindenwood University at the Ice Arena on Saturday. The Illini lost 4-1.

Time is running out on the Illini hockey season

By Lucas Wright • Feb 1, 2016
Illinois' Eric Cruickshank fights for possession of the puck during the game against Lindenwold University at the Ice Arena on Saturday, January 30. The Illini lost 4-1.

Illini fall in series finale against Lions

By Lucas Wright • Jan 31, 2016
Illinois' Kyle Varzino (27) tries to keep the puck away from Ohio during the Ohio hockey game at the Ice Arena on Oct. 24. The Illini had a pair of matches this weekend against Aurora.

Illini hockey upsets No. 1 Lindenwood

By Lucas Wright • Jan 30, 2016
Illinois' James Mcging (13) fights for puck during the game against Western Michigan University at the Ice Arena on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Illinois won 4-3.

Illini prepare for matchup with No. 1 Lindenwood

By Lucas Wright • Jan 27, 2016
Head coach Kevin Humbly talks to his team during the game against Iowa at Huff Hall on Friday, Oct. 16. Illinois won 3-0.

Illini volleyball ready to take on No. 2 Minnesota

By Lucas Wright • Dec 9, 2015

Illini men’s tennis develops during fall season

By Lucas Wright • Dec 9, 2015
Illinois' Jocelynn Birks (7) attempts to spike the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. Illinois won 3-1.

Illini volleyballers nab several All-Conference awards

By Lucas Wright • Dec 2, 2015

Illini volleyball drops heartbreaking five-setter to Wisconsin

By Lucas Wright • Nov 19, 2015
Illinois' Katie Stadick (12) and Jocelynn Birks (7) attempt a block during the game against Rutgers at Huff Hall, on Saturday, Nov. 14th. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball run at NCAA tournament begins with Wisconsin

By Lucas Wright • Nov 17, 2015

Illini Jared Hiltzik falls in quarterfinals at National Indoors

By Lucas Wright • Nov 15, 2015

Jared Hiltzik is lone Illini to compete at nationals

By Lucas Wright • Nov 11, 2015

Jared Hiltzik is lone Illini to compete at nationals

By Lucas Wright • Nov 11, 2015

Illinois volleyball looks for redemption at Ohio State

By Lucas Wright • Nov 10, 2015
Illinois' head coach Brad Dancer observes a match during the tennis game v. Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Illinois won 5-2.

Illini men’s tennis wraps up fall season

By Lucas Wright • Nov 8, 2015

Illinois men’s tennis to close out fall season at Iowa City

By Lucas Wright • Nov 4, 2015

Illinois men’s tennis falls short at Midwest Regional

By Lucas Wright • Oct 25, 2015
Illinois' Julian Childers hits the ball during the match against No. 8 Texas at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. The Illini won 4-3.

Illini have momentum heading into men’s tennis regionals

By Lucas Wright • Oct 20, 2015
Aron Hiltzik

Illini of the Week October 14: Aron Hiltzik

By Lucas Wright • Oct 13, 2015
Illinois' Jared Hiltzik swings for the ball during the second round of NCAA Men's Tennis Regionals v. Drake at Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Illinois won 4-2.

Hiltzik upsets No. 2 seed at All-Americans

By Lucas Wright • Oct 11, 2015
Illinois' Toshiki Matsuya makes a return during the Big Ten Tennis Tournament quarterfinals v. Iowa at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, Apr. 24, 2015. Illinois won 4-0.

Illini men’s tennis' Julian Childers advancing through All-Americans

By Lucas Wright • Oct 4, 2015
Illinois Aron Hiltzik attempts to return the ball during the Big Ten Men's Tennis Tournament final against Ohio State at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex, on Sunday, April 26, 2015. The Illini won 4-0.

Illini head to All-Americans with confidence

By Lucas Wright • Sep 30, 2015
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik makes a return during the second round of NCAA Men's Tennis Regionals v. Drake at Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Illinois won 4-2.

Illinois men’s tennis gets big play from underclassmen

By Lucas Wright • Sep 27, 2015
Illinois' Aron Hiltzik runs for the ball during the tennis game v. Ohio State at Atkins Tennis Center on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2015. Illinois won 4-0.

Illinois men’s tennis opens fall season at Texas A&M

By Lucas Wright • Sep 23, 2015
Illinois' Jared Hiltzik swings for the ball during the second round of NCAA Men's Tennis Regionals v. Drake at Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Illinois won 4-2.

Illini men’s tennis has yet to appear in a fall match

By Lucas Wright • Sep 16, 2015
Illinois' Brad Dancer observes a match during the tennis game vs. Green Bay at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015. The Illini won 4-0.

Illini men's tennis coach Brad Dancer has prolific past colleagues

By Lucas Wright • Sep 1, 2015

Illinois men’s tennis rookies bring energy, diversity

By Lucas Wright • Aug 25, 2015

Men's tennis reloading for Big Ten title defense

By Lucas Wright • Aug 17, 2015

Illinois women’s golf trending in right direction

By Lucas Wright • May 10, 2015

Illinois women’s golf struggles on many levels

By Lucas Wright • Apr 28, 2015

Illini women’s golf finish 9th at Big Ten Championship

By Lucas Wright • Apr 27, 2015

Illinois women’s golf to compete at Big Ten Championship

By Lucas Wright • Apr 23, 2015

Illini women’s golf finish sixth in Ohio

By Lucas Wright • Apr 20, 2015

Illini women’s golf gets back in action in Ohio

By Lucas Wright • Apr 16, 2015

Illini women’s golf powered by strong freshman play

By Lucas Wright • Apr 15, 2015
Illini women’s golf seniors provide chemistry, leadership

Illini women’s golf seniors provide chemistry, leadership

By Lucas Wright • Apr 14, 2015

Illini women’s golf finish 5th in second-straight tournament

By Lucas Wright • Apr 1, 2015

Illini women’s golf finishes fifth in South Carolina

By Lucas Wright • Mar 30, 2015
Illinois' during the game against Nebraska at State Farm Center on March 5. The Illini won 69-57.

Illini women’s golf finds recruiting pipeline through Thailand

By Lucas Wright • Mar 17, 2015

Illini women’s golf finish tied for 10th in Florida

By Lucas Wright • Mar 5, 2015

Illinois women’s golf looks to get back on track

By Lucas Wright • Mar 2, 2015
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