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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
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie goes up for a rebound against Missouri State in the WBIT on March 21, 2024.

[Photo] Keys to Illinois’ Penn State matchup

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • February 13, 2025
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic scans the court for an open Illini during a game against Stony Brook on March 24, 2024.

[Photo] Kendall Bostic overtakes Jenna Smith as Illinois’ all-time leading rebounder

By Ben Somerville, Staff Writer • January 28, 2025
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic, fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant and senior guard Adalia McKenzie sit on the bench during a game against Stony Brook on March 24, 2024.

[Photo] Illinois heads north to face in-state rival Northwestern

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • January 23, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie gets set to box out after a free throw attempt during a game against Stony Brook on March 24, 2024.

[Photo] Player grades, notes from Illinois’ week of Big Ten competition

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • January 7, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie gets her hand in the face of a Missouri State opponent on March 21.

[Photo] Can the newly-ranked Illini handle the heat against EIU?

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • November 14, 2024
Sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn catches a pass against Marquette on Nov. 14, 2023.

[Photo] Where else would you be on a Friday night? Illinois hosts SIU Edwardsville

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • November 8, 2024
Junior guard Ty Rodgers holds onto the ball as Northwestern makes an effort to steal it away on Jan. 2.

[Photo] Top Big Ten matchups for Illinois men’s basketball

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • September 26, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr. awaits his name to be called for the starting lineup against Purdue on March 5. Shannon and his legal team plan to sue the Lawrence PD and county's DA for "millions."

[Photo] Former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. to sue Lawrence PD and Douglas County DA for ‘millions’

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • September 13, 2024
Junior forward Sarah Foley runs in as a starter against Wisconsin in 2023. Foley scored the lone Illinois goal in the loss to Kentucky.

[Photo] Illinois soccer unable to equalize, bested by Kentucky 2-1

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • August 31, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr. smiles as he sinks in a free throw against Mizzou. Shannon was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 27th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft.

[Photo] Minnesota Timberwolves select Terrence Shannon Jr. in NBA Draft

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 26, 2024
Fifth year guard #0 Terrence Shannon Jr. excitedly walking back to Illinois’ bench after Purdue calls a timeout during the Illinois vs. Purdue game, March.

[Photo] Terrence Shannon Jr.’s No. 0 jersey will hang in rafters at State Farm Center

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 20, 2024
Coach Brad Underwood and senior forward Coleman Hawkins sharing a hug during senior night on March 5.

[Photo] Kansas State lands former Illini Coleman Hawkins via transfer portal

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 14, 2024
Redshirt freshman Niccolo Moretti enters a basketball game on March 5 after Terrence Shannon Jr gets in foul trouble.

[Photo] Niccolo Moretti enters portal, adds to growing list of outbound Illini

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • April 29, 2024
Redshirt Sophomore Ben Plumley throwing out a strong pitch to the Illinois State Redbirds during a game on April 9.

[Photo] Shutdown pitching, midgame offensive surge powers Illinois to eighth straight victory

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 23, 2024
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins lays down a huge dunk against Purdue on March 5.

[Photo] BREAKING: Hawkins enters transfer portal while keeping name in NBA Draft

By Ben Fader and Sahil Mittal • April 30, 2024
Junior guard #10 Luke Goode makes his free throw. Graduate guard #4 Justin Harmon takes a breather as Luke shoots at the line.

[Photo] Luke Goode enters the transfer portal

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • April 22, 2024
Senior pitcher Jack Crowder throws out a strong pitch to Penn State on March 26.

[Photo] Illini get back to Big Ten play, host Wildcats for three-game series

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • April 19, 2024
Senior Sebastian Ingersoll midair as he prepares to catch back onto the horizontal bar.

[Photo] End of season draws near for Illinois men’s gymnastics   

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 19, 2024
Coach Underwood congratulates fifth year guard #0 Terrence Shannon Jr on senior night.

[Photo] ‘It’s hard not to get emotional’: Illinois men’s basketball records historic 2023-24 championship season

By James Kim, Staff Writer • April 15, 2024
Fifth-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. makes back-to-back free throws against Indiana on Jan. 27.

[Photo] University closes Terrence Shannon Jr. investigation

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 10, 2024
Junior infielder Vytas Valincius and assistant coach Curt Courtwright chat after Vytas run to first base.

[Photo] Illini slug past Redbirds to begin nine-game homestand

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • April 9, 2024
Graduate pitcher Cooper Omans pitches for the Illini on March 27 in their first game of the double header.

[Photo] Illinois baseball hosts Illinois State for midweek matchup

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • April 9, 2024
Illini baseball celebrates a Drake Wescott home run on March 27 against Penn State.

[Photo] Illinois baseball picks up series win at Minnesota

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • April 8, 2024
Senior #63 Ashton Anaya celebrates as he sticks a perfect dismount on the rings during a meet against Oakland on Jan. 28.

[Photo] No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics gears up for Big Ten Championship 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024
Junior catcher #17 Camden Janik walking back to home plate as the Illini had a quick team talk at the pitchers mound during a game on March 26.

[Photo] Illinois baseball heads to Minnesota for 3-game Big Ten matchup

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024
The Illini celebrate a Drake Wescott home run on Feb. 28 vs. Eastern Illinois.

[Photo] Illinois baseball sweeps Penn State, reaches five-game win streak

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • April 1, 2024
Grad student Jacob Schroeder and junior Camden Janik celebrate Jacob’s home run at the end of the game against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 28.

[Photo] Illinois baseball thrashes Missouri in annual Braggin’ Rights matchup

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 26, 2024
Illinois women’s basketball team come together after a quick call made by the red early in the first quarter on Mar. 24.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball heads to Tulsa for WBIT quarterfinals

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 28, 2024
A customer grabs a branded nuEra bag from the employee at the counter. nuEra, located at the corner of Green and First streets, serves as a haven for all high-llini, as their billboard says.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Smoke Shop: nuEra

By Meghna Sarkar, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Brothers Bar & Grill on Feb. 29. The bar recently reopened a campus location and has quickly become a fan-favorite.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Place to Store Your Dad While Out Shopping with Your Mom: Brothers Bar & Grill

By Sam Gregerman, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
University students gather at Brothers Bar & Grill at 601 S. First St. to support the men’s basketball team during a March Madness basketball game.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Sports Bar: Brothers Bar & Grill

By Lika Lezhava, Editor in Chief • March 28, 2024
A sprinkle doughnut from Pandamonium Doughnuts on March 1. Pandamonium Doughnuts has a Champaign location as well as a food truck.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Doughnut: Pandamonium Doughnuts

By Maidely Davila, Staff writer • March 28, 2024
Priyal Patel, senior in LAS, studies at the Main Library. The Main Library is a popular spot for studying with its many rooms and floors.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best University Library: Main Library

By Mariana Quezada, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Illini baseball celebrating a huge home run by teammate Drake Westscott on Feb. 28.

[Photo] Illinois baseball takes 2 of 3 from Indiana in first Big Ten series of 2024

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 24, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie speeds down the court and scores for the Illini in the WBIT game against Missouri State on Mar. 21.

[Photo] Illinois dominates Stony Brook 79-62, advances to WBIT quarterfinals

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 24, 2024
Junior Camden Janik swings big as Illinois look for a run in the bottom of the first inning against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 27.

[Photo] Illinois heads to Knoxville for 3-game series against No. 8 Tennessee

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 8, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie and Senior guard #1 Genesis Bryant ready to make a quick stop against the Lady bears on Thursday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball victory over Missouri State

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • March 21, 2024
Graduate student Jacob Schroeder scores his second home run and celebrates with redshirt junior Drake Westcott on Feb. 28.

[Photo] Illinois baseball finesses 2 wins from Southern Indiana in first home weekend

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • March 18, 2024
Marcus Domask, fifth year guard and Terrence Shannon Jr., fifth year guard celebrate a timeout called by Rutgers on Jan. 21.

[Photo] Hot night from Shannon, Domask raises No. 2 Illinois to Big Ten tournament championship

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • March 17, 2024
Freshman Cameron Chee-aloy prepares to go up to bat near the dugout during the game with Eastern Illinois on Feb. 28.

[Photo] No. 8 Tennessee sweeps Illinois baseball in Knoxville

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • March 12, 2024
Fifth year Terrence Shannon Jr. excitedly returns back to the Illinois bench after Purdue calls a timeout on Mar. 5.

[Photo] No. 2 Illinois advances past No. 10 Ohio State in heated Big Ten quarterfinal

March 15, 2024
Fifth year guard Quincy Guerrier and sophomore guard Ty Rodgers match each other's energy during the game against Purdue on Tuesday.

[Photo] No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball closes regular season with 12-point win over Iowa

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • March 10, 2024
Fifth year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. pumps up to start his senior night against Purdue on Tuesday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball’s narrow loss to No. 3 Purdue

By Conor Blount and James Kim • March 6, 2024
Graduate student Cooper Omans throws out the first pitch at the home opening game against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 28.

[Photo] Illinois baseball takes 2 at First Pitch Invitational

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • March 4, 2024
Fifth year guard Marcus Domask runs a quick play as instructed by head coach Underwood during the game against Indiana on Jan. 27.

[Photo] Hot offense lifts No. 13 Illinois men’s basketball to road victory over Wisconsin

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • March 2, 2024
Sarah Coffman, senior in LAS, Dennielle Monge-Vargas, senior in LAS, and Jillian Butler, senior in Engineering, pose outside of The Red Lion while celebrating Unofficial.

[Photo] Unofficial 2024: Live updates post-leap day

By News Staff • March 1, 2024
Sophomore all-around Tate Costa costing his hands in chalk before mounting the horizontal bars against Oklahoma on Jan. 28.

[Photo] No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics wins over No. 4 Michigan 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 6, 2024
01.27.24_MBBvsIndiana_O.McAfoos_14

[Photo] No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball hosts red-hot Nebraska

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 4, 2024
Illini men’s gymnastics team ecstatic with joy after they beat the Oklahoma in a home match on Jan. 28.

[Photo] No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics gears up for home opener against No. 1 Oklahoma

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 26, 2024
Sophomore All-around Tate Costa performs a press hand stand in his floor routine against Oklahoma on Sunday.

[Photo] No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics takes down No. 1 Oklahoma

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 29, 2024
Fifth year guard Justin Harmon celebrates a successful 3-pointer for Illinois against Indiana on Saturday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 10 Illinois’ 8-point victory over Indiana

By Conor Blount and James Kim • January 28, 2024
Fifth Year Guard Quincy Guerrier works past defender to score during the game against Indiana today.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball hosts Indiana, looks to gain win

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 27, 2024
Sophomore guard Ty Rodgers looks to pass the ball around the court as the defense picks up heavily on Jan. 14.

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

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 14, 2024
Senior outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball cross court against Indiana on Oct. 25. Terry tallies 539 kills with 4.69 per set as well as strikes 36 aces.

[Photo] Illinois volleyball gets set for spring season

By Brendan Recka, Staff Writer • January 25, 2024
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins reviews the scoreboard during the match against Northwestern on Jan. 2.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball falls in overtime at Northwestern

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 24, 2024
Fifth-year guard Justin Harmon keeps an intimidating game face on as Northwestern tries to score on Jan. 2.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball takes quick trip north for in-state clash against Northwestern

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 24, 2024
Sophomore guard Ty Rodgers scoops the ball down low to remain possession against Maryland on Jan 14.

[Photo] All eyes on March: Illini men’s basketball strives for it all in 2023-24

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 23, 2024
Senior guard Genesis Bryant runs along the baseline against Truman State on Oct. 30.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball comes up short on road against Maryland

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 20, 2024
Fifth-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr, smiling to his coaches during warmup against Mizzou on Dec. 22 prior to being suspended from the team. As of Friday, Shannon is now permitted to return to play for Illinois.

[Photo] Terrence Shannon Jr.’s restraining order approved, is eligible to return to men’s basketball

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 19, 2024
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins delivers a bounce pass to fifth-year guard Justin Harmon to quickly score on the Terrapins on Sunday.

[Photo] No.14 Illinois men’s basketball gets back on track with big win at Michigan

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 18, 2024
Fifth Year Guard Marcus Domask dribbles the ball under pressure by Maryland defense on Sunday.

[Photo] No. 10 Illinois menʼs basketball sinks to 9-point defeat at home against Maryland

By James Kim, Sports Editor • January 14, 2024
Junior Adalia McKenzie shares a high-five with head coach Shauna Green during a timeout against Truman State on Oct. 30.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball falls short in tough battle against Wisconsin

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 10, 2024
Forward Quincy Guerrier makes a huge 3 pointer in the last few minutes of the game against University of Missouri on Dec. 22.

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

By Conor Blount and James Kim • January 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.

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

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 2, 2024
On Jan. 25, Facilities & Services worked to remove snow accumulation from the winter storm that morning. Early in the day, there was heavy snowfall and conditions were slippery.

Gallery | DI Photo year in review: Favorite captured moments, photos of 2023

By Jacob Slabosz, James Hoeck, Jack Larson, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Eric Chiang, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Olivia McAfoos, Anh Khoi-Pham, Isaac Pinkus, Emma Pyatt, Damini Rana, Anne Schmidt, Alyssa Shih, Matt Stepp, Lucas Sun and Daniel Zhou • December 31, 2023
Sophomore Ty Rodgers holds onto the ball intensely trying to get around the Marquette defense on Nov. 14. Rodgers secured 15 rebounds against Fairleigh Dickinson on Friday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 11 Illinoisʼ 33-point victory over Fairleigh Dickinson

By James Kim, Sports Editor • December 29, 2023
Terrence Shannon sits on the bench before the Nov. 14 game vs. Marquette. Shannon was suspended from Illinois basketball on Thursday after being charged with rape.

[Photo] Terrence Shannon Jr. suspended from Illinois menʼs basketball following rape charge

By James Kim, Sports Editor • December 28, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. smiles as he sinks in a free throw in the first half of the Braggin’ Rights game against Mizzou on Friday night.

[Photo] Shannon runs riot as No. 13 Illinois claims huge Bragginʼ Rights win over Missouri

By James Kim, Sports Editor • December 22, 2023
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins fakes a pass to his teammates in the first half of the game against Marquette on Nov. 14.

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

By James Kim and Conor Blount • December 10, 2023
Junior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill sinks a free throw against Truman State on Oct. 30.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball continues win streak with 22-point victory over Northern Kentucky

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • December 7, 2023
Junior running back #23 Reggie Love III gathers with his family before the game for a photo on Nov. 25.

[Photo] Illinois running back Reggie Love III enters transfer portal

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • November 30, 2023
Fifth-year Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. makes a huge grin as he pumps up for the game against Marquette on Nov. 14. Shannon ended the night with 19 points against Western Illinois.

[Photo] Illini waltz out of break with 32-point victory against Western Illinois

By Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting • November 24, 2023
Mia Za’s is extending their storefront with a second “Express” location coming soon to the Illini Union in spring of 2024.

[Photo] Mia Za’s Express to open in Illini Union in Spring 2024

By Jude Panlilio, Staff Writer • November 6, 2023
Guard Genesis Bryant is runs the ball at point on Oct. 30 against Truman.

[Photo] No. 23 Illinois women’s basketball opens season at home vs. Morehead State

By Mathias Spitzer, Staff Writer • November 6, 2023
Pages being flipped through on Oct. 10.

[Photo] PangoBooks fuses reading with online marketplace

By Jahzara Norris, Contributing writer • November 1, 2023
Senior Goal Keeper, #1 Julia Cili throws the ball out to her teammates on Oct. 12. Illinois will attempt for a win against Nebraska this Sunday after loss from Michigan State.

[Photo] Illini soccer loses early lead, drops penultimate Big Ten match to No. 14 Spartans

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 20, 2023
ILLordle: Play now