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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

Nithin Reddy

Northwestern eliminates Illinois in second round of Big Ten Tournament

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • March 10, 2021
Junior J-Naya Ephraim pushes forward towards the basket during the game against Northwestern on Feb. 24. The Illini will play Northwestern again if they beat Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Big Ten tournament preview: 12-seed Illinois prepares for postseason competition

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • March 9, 2021
Sophomore Solape Amusan shoots during the game against Minnesota on Friday. The Illini won the game 72-64.

Offense leads Illinois to senior night victory

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • March 6, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles pushes down the court during the game against Purdue on Sunday. The Illinois women's basketball team will play against Minnesota today.

Illini look to finish regular season on high note against Golden Gophers

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • March 5, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo pushes down the court during the game against Nebraska on Thursday. The Illini won the game 86-70.

Illini dominate Nebraska on senior night at SFC

By Nithin Reddy • February 27, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles attempts to evade a defender during the game against Northwestern on Wednesday. The Illini lost the game 67-61.

Illini give up early lead, lose to Wildcats

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 24, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry shoots the ball during the game against Maryland on Feb. 17. The Illinois women's basketball team will face Northwestern on Wednesday at State Farm Center

Illini look to beat Northwestern in rivalry matchup

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • February 24, 2021
Freshman Aaliyah Nye shoots the ball in the game against Rutgers on Feb. 20. The Illini lost 75-46.

Illinois struggles with Rutgers’ press in road loss

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 20, 2021
Freshman Aaliyah Nye pushes forward during the game against Maryland on Wednesday. The women's basketball team will face Rutgers today.

Illini hope to stop surging Scarlet Knights

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 20, 2021
Sophomore guard Jeanae Terry passes during a game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Dec. 2. Terry’s confidence on the court and great leadership are for to the team this year.

Jeanae Terry’s hot streak a great sign for Illini’s future

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • February 15, 2021
Senior forward Lyric Robins presses forward during the game against Minnesota on Wednesday. Illinois fell to Minnesota 83-73

Early deficit too much for Illini against Golden Gophers

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 11, 2021
Sophomore forward Kennedi Myles shoots during the game against Purdue on Sunday. The Illini will play against Minnesota tonight in Minneapolis.

Illini look to start winning streak against Minnesota

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 10, 2021
Sophomore guard Jada Peebles looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini will face off against Michigan State tonight.

Illinois looks to contain Nia Clouden in matchup with Michigan State

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • February 4, 2021
Junior forward Jacob Grandison captures a rebound during the game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini will face off against Indiana tonight in Bloomington.

Illinois defeats Big Ten rival Iowa

By Nithin Reddy • February 2, 2021
Sophomore guard Jeanae Terry looks to pass during the game against Penn State on Thursday. The Illini fell to Penn State 80-76.

Illini can’t dig out of hole, fall to Penn State 80-76

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 28, 2021
Freshman guard Aaliyah Nye looks to pass during the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

Illini look for first Big Ten win against Penn State

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 28, 2021
Aaliyah Nye dribbles past a defender in Illinois' game against Nebraska on Monday. The Illini lost 57-53.

Illinois loses close one late to Nebraska 57-53

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 26, 2021
Head Coach Nancy Fahey speaks to the Illinois women's basketball team during a timeout at the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

Illinois looks to avenge close loss to Nebraska

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 25, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu dribbles the ball in Illinois' game against Penn State on Tuesday night. The Illini won 79-65.

Illini defeat Penn State

By Nithin Reddy • January 25, 2021
Sophomore Kennedi Myles drives forward during the game against Northwestern on Thursday.

Illinois falls to in-state rival Northwestern, team’s sixth-straight loss

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 21, 2021
Redshirt Junior center Eva Rubin goes for a layup during the game against Iowa on Jan. 3.

Illini head to Northwestern after 11-day break

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 21, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives towards the basket during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Frazier announced his return to Champaign Saturday afternoon.

Illini fall short to Ohio State

By Nithin Reddy • January 19, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles speaks to her teammates during the women's basketball game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2, 2020. Their upcoming game against Michigan State has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

Illini deal with third COVID-related postponement

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 14, 2021
Jada Peebles shoots a three during Illinois' game against Ohio State on Thursday. The Illini fell 78-55.

Illini continue on losing streak, fall to Ohio State 78-55

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 7, 2021
Members of the Illinois Women's basketball team huddle up during the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

Illinois hopes to snap losing streak against No. 16 Ohio State

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 7, 2021
Junior Geovana Lopes poses for a headshot.

Adjusting to life in America is not always easy for international athletes

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 7, 2021
Lyric Robins dribbles the ball in Illinois' game against Iowa on Sunday.

Illinois falls to Iowa at home, remains winless in Big Ten play

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 3, 2021
Jeanae Terry dribbles against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

Illinois drops first game in weeks at Indiana 79-56

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • December 31, 2020
The Illinois women's basketball team comes together during the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2.

Illinois looks to pull off upset win at Indiana in final game of 2020

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • December 31, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu speeds towards the basket during the game against Indiana on Saturday. The Illini won the game 69-60 with Dosunmu scoring 30 points.

Illini Basketball defeats Big Ten rival Indiana Hoosiers

By Nithin Reddy • December 29, 2020
Freshman Andre Curbelo drives towards the basket during the game against Minnesota on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 92-65.

Illini win Big Ten opener against Minnesota

By Nithin Reddy • December 21, 2020
Jada Peebles and Geovana Lopes get set on defense in Illinois' game against Nebraska on Thursday. The Illini fell 78-72.

Illinois drops close Big Ten opener at Nebraska 78-72

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • December 10, 2020
Sophomore Jeanae Terry shoots the ball during the game against Valparaiso Dec. 2. Terry recently announced she is transferring to Purdue.

Illinois opens up Big Ten campaign on the road against Nebraska

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • December 9, 2020
The Illinois offensive line prepares to hike the ball during the game against Iowa on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 35-21.

Illini Football hosts Iowa for Senior Night

By Nithin Reddy • December 8, 2020
Kennedi Myles calls for the ball from J-Naya Ephraim Dec. 2 when Illinois faced Valparaiso. Both players have chosen to play elsewhere next season, with Myles already announcing her decision to transfer to Marquette.

Illinois bounces back with 53-50 win over Omaha

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • December 6, 2020
J-Naya Ephraim shoots the ball during Illinois' game against Valparaiso Wednesday night at home. The Illini fell 62-59 to the Crusaders.

Illini drop second game of season to Valparaiso 62-59

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • December 2, 2020
Sophomore Jeanae Terry goes for a layup during the game against Indiana State on Nov. 25.

Illinois, Nancy Fahey prepare for home matchup with Valparaiso Wednesday

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • December 1, 2020
Geovana Lopes drives through the lane during the game against Indiana State on Wednesday. The Illini won 68-49 and Lopes scored 12 points.

Illinois defeats Indiana State 68-50 to begin season

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • November 25, 2020
Freshman Forward Kennedi Myles advances down the court during the game against Michigan State on Feb. 26. The Illini begin their 2020-2021 season Wednesday night against Indiana State.

Illini start 2020-2021 season off against Indiana State

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • November 25, 2020
Sophomore Coran Taylor narrowly stays in bounds as he slips through the Minnesota defense. As a fourth-string quarterback, Taylor has had a lack of game experience.

Minnesota Gophers hand Illinois 41-14 loss

By Nithin Reddy, Sports Video Editor • November 9, 2020
Sophomore forward Kennedi Myles advances the ball down the court during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini lost the game 73-64.

Myles looks to improve in second year

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • October 22, 2020
Junior guard J-Naya Ephraim dribbles past teammate Lyric Robins during practice on Thursday.

Fahey, Illini start off practices with optimism

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • October 17, 2020
Redshirt junior Eva Rubin flexes with a basketball. Rubin transferred to Illinois from Arizona State in December 2019.

Rubin brings post threat, experience to Illini

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • October 12, 2020
Junior J-Naya Ephraim waits as an opposing player approaches with the ball during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 6. The Illini lost six players the previous season, forcing head coach Nancy Fahey to fill those gaps.

Illini get new backcourt following departure of two starters

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • October 5, 2020
Illinois head coach Nancy Fahey talks to junior guard J-Naya Ephraim during the game against Nebraska at State Farm Center on Jan. 17, 2019. Fahey recently recruited three freshmen to play in the upcoming season.

Fahey, Illini bring in three freshmen for 2020 season

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • September 16, 2020
House of Paign player Andres Feliz shoots the ball during the match against Carmen’s Crew in The Basketball Tournament on Wednesday.

The Basketball Tournament: House of ‘Paign comeback effort falls short against Red Scare

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • July 10, 2020
House of Paign player Billy Garrett jumps and catches the ball during the match against Carmen’s Crew in The Basketball Tournament on Wednesday.

The Basketball Tournament 2020: House of ‘Paign to face Red Scare in quarterfinals

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • July 10, 2020
House of Paign player Mike Daum celebrates with teammate Kyle Vinales after winning their match against Carmen’s Crew in The Basketball Tournament on Wednesday.

House of ‘Paign hold off top seeded Carmen’s Crew

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • July 8, 2020
House of Paign player Michael Finke holds the ball away from a defender during their match against War Tampa on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.

The Basketball Tournament 2020: House of ‘Paign set to face Carmen’s Crew in second round

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • July 8, 2020
House of Paign player Michael Finke goes for a dunk during their match against War Tampa on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.

The Basketball Tournament 2020: House of ‘Paign notches first win over War Tampa

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • July 5, 2020
Senior Andres Feliz pushes forward against a defender during the match against Indiana on March 1, 2020 at State Farm Center. Feliz is part of the House of Paign team that is scheduled to compete in the TBT tournament tonight.

House of ‘Paign TBT Team Preps for First Game

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • July 4, 2020
Freshman Mia Takekawa completes her routine at the Big Five Meet in Toledo, Ohio on Feb. 21.

Four Illini women’s gymnasts earn All-Big Ten honors

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • May 20, 2020
The Illinois Women's Gymnastics team celebrates after one of its members completes their routine during a match against Michigan on Feb. 7, 2014.

Team of the century: 2014 Illini women’s gymnastics season yet to be replicated

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • May 3, 2020
Center Jenna Smith (13) attempts a shot during the game against Michigan State at Assembly Hall on Feb. 5.

All-time starting five honors women’s hoops stars of past

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 22, 2020
Freshman Mia Takekawa performs her Uneven Bars routine during a match against Penn State on Feb. 7.

Takekawa makes strong impression, history in first season with Illini

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 18, 2020
Junior Guard Petra Holešínská speeds around a defender during the match against Indiana on Feb. 13 at State Farm Center. The Illini lost 54-59.

Illinois’ leading scorer transfers to North Carolina

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 4, 2020
Freshman Forward Kennedi Myles advances down the court during the game against Michigan State on Feb. 26. The Illini begin their 2020-2021 season Wednesday night against Indiana State.

Illini of the season: Bright spots from a tough year

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 2, 2020
Petra Holešínská drives from the three-point line against Indiana on Feb. 13. The Illini fell to the Hoosiers 59-54

Holešínská announces transfer from Illinois

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • March 15, 2020
Senior forward Ali Andrews shoots the ball during the Illinois' game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Feb. 26.

Illinois takes on Wisconsin in first round of Big Ten Tournament

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • March 3, 2020
Senior guard Brandi Beasley looks past a defender during the match against Michigan State in the team’s 72-58 loss on Wednesday. The Illini finished the regular season with an 11-18 record.

Illini fall to Wildcats in regular-season closer

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • March 2, 2020
Petra Holešínská dribbles the ball against an Indiana defender at State Farm Center on Feb. 13.

Illini look forward to match against Wolverines

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 19, 2020
Senior guard Brandi Beasley drives past an Indiana player during the Illini's game against the No. 20-ranked Hoosiers. Illinois fell to Purdue Sunday during Senior Day at the State Farm Center.

Illinois falls to Purdue on Senior Day

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 16, 2020
Redshirt-junior guard Petra Holešínská maneuvers around Ohio State defenders during the Illini’s game against the Buckeyes at State Farm Center on Feb. 6. Illinois hosts No. 20 Indiana Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball to host No. 20 Indiana at State Farm Center

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 13, 2020
Courtney Joens goes for a rebound during the Illinois' game against Ohio State at State Farm Center on Thursday.

Illinois women’s hoops snaps losing-streak with win at Penn State

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 11, 2020
Guard Courtney Joens prepares to jump for a layup during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini lost the 73-64.

Illini to host Buckeyes Thursday, aim to snap five-game losing streak

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • February 4, 2020
Illinois' Alex Diab performs on the still rings during the meet against Iowa at Huff Hall on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019.

Diab to represent US in Italy

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • May 2, 2019
Illinois’ Vuk Budic celebrates after winning his singles match against Penn State at Atkins Tennis Center on April 12. The Illini won 4-3.

Men’s tennis advances to tournament finals

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 29, 2019
Aleks Kovacevic returns the ball during the match against Penn State at the Atkins Tennis Center on April 12. Kovacevic carries the best NCAA tournament run since 2007.

Big Ten Tournament Tennis Preview

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 25, 2019
Senior Alex Diab performs on the still rings during the meet against Iowa was at Huff Hall on Jan. 26. He collected his second straight national title in the event on Saturday.

Illini finish in NCAA top five

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 22, 2019
Illinois' Alex Diab performs on the still rings during the meet against Iowa at Huff Hall on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019.

Team aims for national title

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 18, 2019
Alex Diab holds steady while competing in the still rings event. Fellow Illini Jordan Kovach was injured on Day One of the Winter Cup Challenge and unable to compete, but, Diab took home the still rings title.

Seniors pave way toward strong NCAA finish

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 15, 2019
Illinois’ Michael Fletcher sticks the landing on vault during the meet against Iowa at Huff Hall on Jan. 26. The Illini won 410.450-398.800.

Illini come in second at championship

By Nithin Reddy, Staff writer • April 8, 2019
Max Diab performing on the rings at Huff Hall

Illinois looking to become Big Ten champions for second year in a row

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • April 5, 2019
Illinois’ Alex Diab works the still rings at the meet against Minnesota in Huff Hall on Feb. 26, 2017. His score tied the season high.

Illinois men’s gymnastics come together before Big Ten Championships

By Nithin Reddy, Staff writer • March 29, 2019

Illini drop meet to top team Sooners

By Nithin Reddy, Staff writer • March 11, 2019
Illinois’ Alex Diab works the still rings at the meet against Minnesota in Huff Hall on Feb. 26, 2017. His score tied the season high.

Top-five victories push team forward

By Nithin Reddy, Staff writer • March 4, 2019
Illinois’ Michael Paradise performs on the pommel horse during the meet against Iowa at Huff Hall on Jan. 26. The Illini won 410.450-398.800.

Long layoff provides time to reconvene

By Nithin Reddy, Staff writer • February 4, 2019
Illinois’ Johnny Jacobson performs on the parallel bars during the meet against Iowa at Huff Hall on Saturday. The Illini won 410.450-398.800.

Illinois cruises to victory in Big Ten meet

By Nithin Reddy, Staff writer • January 28, 2019
Illinois’ Aleks Kovacevic returns the ball during the match against Wisconsin at Atkins Tennis

Kovacevic shines in MLK Invitational

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • January 24, 2019
Junior Zeke Clark serves the ball during a match. The men's tennis team boasts several powerful duos in fast-paced doubles matches, leaving plenty to look out for this season.

Doubles matches pose different challenges

By Nithin Reddy, Contributing writer • November 6, 2018
Illinois’ Aleks Kovacevic returns the ball during the match against Wisconsin at Atkins Tennis

Kovacevic shines in ITA Midwest Regionals

By Nithin Reddy, Contributing Writer • October 25, 2018

Squad splits in three to play nationwide

By Nithin Reddy, Contributing Writer • September 24, 2018
ILLordle: Play now