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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
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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
Advertisement
Sahil Mittal

Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter

Junior guard Kylan Boswell during Illinois' March 23 loss to Kentucky at the NCAA tournament in Milwaukee.

[Photo] Column | A mixture of performances end No. 6 seed Illinois’ season

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • March 24, 2025
The Illini huddle during their second round NCAA tournament game against the Wildcats on March 23 in Milwaukee.

No. 3 Kentucky knocks out No. 6 Illinois, ends young squad’s season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 23, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis celebrates after scoring against Xavier in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 21 in Milwaukee.

No. 6 Illinois battles past No. 11 Xavier in March Madness opener

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 21, 2025
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood acknowledges the Orange Krush before tip-off against Ohio State on Feb. 2.

[Photo] Illinois earns No. 6 seed in March Madness

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • March 16, 2025
Freshman forward Will Riley drives to the basket against Maryland’s defense at the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis on March 14.

Low-energy No. 7 Illinois crushed by No. 2 Maryland at Big Ten tournament

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 14, 2025
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks to the media in the locker room at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following a Big Ten tournament win over Iowa on March 13.

No. 7 Illinois weighs in on rematch with No. 2 Maryland

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 14, 2025
Junior guard Kylan Boswell handles the ball on March 13 at the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis.

No. 7 Illinois knocks out No. 15 Iowa in Big Ten tournament opener

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 13, 2025
Freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. ahead of Illinois’ Feb. 22 matchup with Duke at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Breaking | Morez Johnson Jr. set to return for Big Ten tournament

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 10, 2025
Graduate student forward Ben Humrichous (left), redshirt junior guard Keaton Kutcher (middle), their families and head coach Brad Underwood (right) pose for a photo on senior night on March 7.

Illini defeat No. 18 Boilermakers on senior night for third-straight win

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 7, 2025
A set table and menu is prepared for a company dinner at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano on March 3. Its menu features classic Italian dishes and desserts.

Best of CU ’25 | Best Fine Dining: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 6, 2025
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivišić during Illinois’ starting lineup announcements against Iowa on Feb. 25.

Illinois heads north, matches up with No. 15 Michigan

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • March 2, 2025
Junior guard Kylan Boswell handles the ball against Iowa on Feb. 25.

Opinion | Player grades from Illinoisʼ bounce back win over Iowa

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 26, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis puts up shots at Madison Square Garden before a contest with No. 3 Duke on Feb. 22.

Column | Excuses aside, Illinois needs to finish strong

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 25, 2025
The Illini walk down the court to set up for free-throw attempts in the second half of a loss against No. 3 Duke on Feb. 22.

[Photo] Opinion | Madison Square Garden player grades for Illinois

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • February 23, 2025
Illinois graduate student forward Ben Humrichous (right) and freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis (left) struggle with Duke freshman guard Kon Knueppel (center) as they try to rebound a free throw on Feb. 22 at Madison Square Garden.

No. 3 Duke dominates Illinois by 43

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 22, 2025
Legendary Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. addresses the crowd at State Farm Center during his honored jersey ceremony on Feb. 15. Shannon's mother, Treanette Redding, looks on from behind.

‘I’m just grateful’: Illini legend Terrence Shannon Jr. shines in Champaign return

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 20, 2025
Freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. throws down a dunk in the first half against Michigan State on Feb. 15.

Morez Johnson Jr.’s broken wrist adds to Illinois’ woes ahead of No. 11 Wisconsin matchup

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 18, 2025
Freshman forward Will Riley during Illinois loss to No. 11 Michigan State on Feb. 15.

Illinois implodes in second half, Izzo becomes all-time winningest Big Ten coach

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 15, 2025
Former Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. smiles as he signs autographs and meets fans at Gameday Spirit in Champaign on Feb. 15. Shannon currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA and returned to Illinois for his honored jersey ceremony.

Terrence Shannon Jr. and family return to Champaign, meet fans at Gameday Spirit

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 15, 2025
Legendary Illini center Kofi Cockburn poses with his honored jersey banner during a halftime ceremony on Feb. 11.

‘It means everything in the world to me’: Kofi Cockburn reflects on Illini legacy at honored jersey ceremony

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 14, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis drives past former Illinois guard Skyy Clark in a matchup against UCLA on Feb. 11.

Player grades, notes from Illinoisʼ home win over UCLA

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 12, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis fist bumps the referees as the starting lineups are announced ahead of Illinois' Feb. 2 matchup against Ohio State.

Tuesday in Champaign: Skyy Clark returns, Kofi Cockburn to be honored

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 11, 2025
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivišić posts-up his defender and calls for the ball on Feb. 2 against Ohio State.

Ivišić, Gibbs-Lawhorn in doubt for No. 23 Illinois’ matchup with Minnesota

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 7, 2025
Head coach Brad Underwood screams at the referees during a Jan. 23 home loss to Maryland.

No. 23 Illinois falls at Rutgers, loses fifth unranked Big Ten game

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 5, 2025
Freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. pumps his fist in celebration during No. 23 Illinois' win over Ohio State on Feb. 2. Johnson had a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double.

Player grades, notes from No. 23 Illinois’ freshmen-led win over Ohio State

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 3, 2025
Freshman forward Will Riley waits for a screen on the wing during No. 18 Illinois' win over Ohio State on Feb. 2. Riley finished with a team-high 24 points.

[Photo] 5 takeaways from No. 18 Illinois’ victory over Ohio State

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • February 2, 2025
The Illini defending their basket against Maryland at State Farm Center on Jan. 23, 2024.

Ohio State on deck for No. 18 Illinois in must-win matinee matchup

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • February 2, 2025
Former Illini guard Max Williams (left) sits next to current Illini forward Carey Booth (right) at the team’s Nov. 7, 2024 practice at State Farm Center.

Illinois graduate Max Williams pursues professional basketball in Thailand

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 30, 2025
Former legendary center Kofi Cockburn stands during Illinois' 74-72 win over Iowa at State Farm Center on March 6, 2022.

Kofi Cockburn to make Champaign return for honored jersey ceremony

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 29, 2025
Graduate student forward Ben Humrichous celebrates after hitting a three-pointer on Jan. 26 against Northwestern. Humrichous shot 4-9 from three.

No. 17 Illinois gets revenge at home, defeats Northwestern

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 26, 2025
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivišić sits on the bench ahead of Illinois’ Jan. 23 matchup against Maryland.

No. 17 Illinois without Ivišić for Northwestern rematch

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 26, 2025
Maryland senior forward Julian Reese backs down Illinois sophomore forward Carey Booth on Jan. 23.

Reese, Queen lead Maryland to upset Ivišić-less No. 17 Illinois

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 23, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis inbounds the ball on Dec. 10, 2024, against Wisconsin.

No. 19 Illinois travels to East Lansing for crucial game against No. 12 Michigan State

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 19, 2025
No. 19 Illinois dominates Indiana behind Jakučionis’ return

No. 19 Illinois dominates Indiana behind Jakučionis’ return

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 14, 2025
Freshman forward Will RIley pushes the ball up the floor against Penn State on Jan. 8.

No. 13 Illinois set for Saturday morning matchup with USC

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 11, 2025
Freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. claps as he checks into a Jan. 8 game against Penn State. Johnson scored a career high 20 points against the Nittany Lions.

Player grades, notes from No. 13 Illinois’ dominant win over Penn State

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 10, 2025
Graduate student forward Ben Humrichous handles the ball against Penn State on Jan. 8.

No KJ, no problem: No. 13 Illinois demolishes Penn State

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 8, 2025
Junior guard Tre White (left) and sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (right) chest bump during a game against Wisconsin on Dec. 10, 2024.

No. 13 Illinois returns home for Penn State test

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 8, 2025
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook handles the ball against Florida State on Nov. 3, 2024.

Makira Cook, Gretchen Dolan ruled out for remainder of 2024-25 season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • January 8, 2025
Students stormed Alma Mater following Illinoisʼ victory over Iowa State to advance to the Elite 8 on March 29.

Looking back at 2024: Top Illinois moments of each month

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • January 4, 2025
Graduate student forward Ben Humrichous shoots a three-pointer on Nov. 8 against SIUE.

Illini’s New Year’s resolutions heading into 2025

By Sahil Mittal, Peter Jakubiak and Ben Somerville • January 2, 2025
Freshman forward Will Riley handles the ball against Wisconsin on Dec. 10 at State Farm Center.

No. 24 Illinois takes on Chicago State in final game of 2024

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 29, 2024
Windy City Bulls guard/forward Marcus Domask at the NBA G League Winter Showcase on Dec. 19 in Orlando, Florida.

Marcus Domask embraces rookie experience with Windy City Bulls in G League

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 28, 2024
Salt Lake City Stars guard Justin Harmon dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Charge at the 2024 NBA G League Winter Showcase on Dec. 20 in Orlando, Florida.

Former Illini Justin Harmon discusses rookie journey at G League Winter Showcase

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 27, 2024
Junior guard Kylan Boswell, freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis, sophomore center Tomislav Ivišić, graduate student forward Ben Humrichous and junior guard Tre White walk toward the bench on Dec. 14.

Player grades, notes from No. 24 Illinois’ Braggin’ Rights win over Missouri

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 24, 2024
Sophomore forward Carey Booth dunks the ball during pregame warmups on Dec. 10.

Illinois aims to defend 2023 Braggin’ Rights victory

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 22, 2024
People take in the action at the sportsbook at the Durango on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

AI enhances sports gambling for users, companies

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 17, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis dribbles the ball on Dec. 14 against Tennessee.

Illinois falls to No. 1 Tennessee in heartbreaking fashion

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 14, 2024
Junior guard Kylan Boswell dribbles the ball against No. 20 Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

Illinois hosts No. 1 Tennessee in highly anticipated matchup

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 14, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis and junior guard Tre White celebrate during Illinois’ win over Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

Player grades, notes from Illinois’ win over No. 20 Wisconsin

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 11, 2024
Junior guard Tre White dribbles the ball up the court against Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

[Photo] Illinois victorious in Big Ten home opener

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • December 10, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis checks into the game and talks to sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn at Northwestern on Dec. 6.

Player grades, notes from No. 19 Illinois’ overtime loss at Northwestern

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 7, 2024
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