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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' Rayvonte Rice shoots the ball during the game against Michigan at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, during the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday. The Illini lost 73-55, sending them to the National Invitational Tournament for the second year in a row.

Illinois basketball travels to Alabama for the NIT

By Sean Neumann • Mar 17, 2015

From the bench: A student-manager’s view of the 2004-05 Illini

By Sean Neumann • Mar 17, 2015
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) attempts to get past Michigan's defense during the game at United Center in Chicago, Illinois during the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday, March 12, 2015. The Illini lost 73-55.

Illinois basketball eliminated early from Big Ten tournament

By Sean Neumann • Mar 12, 2015
Illinois' Wes Lunt (12) passes the ball during the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl against Louisiana Tech at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014. The Illini lost 35-18.

Illinois football looking to fill backup quarterback spots

By Sean Neumann • Mar 11, 2015
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice (24) rises for a jump shot during the game against Purdue at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Saturday. The Illini lost 63-58.

Big Ten tournament provides Illini basketball its last chance

By Sean Neumann • Mar 10, 2015
The Illinois football team will play its season opener against Kent State on September 4, a Friday night. The Illini are trying new methods to increase attendance. Illinois played under the lights against Arizona State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. The Illini won 17-14.

Illini football season opener moved to Sept. 4 under the lights

By Sean Neumann • Mar 9, 2015

Illini take on Purdue in regular-season finale

By Sean Neumann • Mar 7, 2015
Illinois' Nnanna Egwu (32) and Rayvonte Rice (24) react after a point during the game against Nebraska at State Farm Center, on Wednesday, March 5, 2015. The Illini won 69-57.

Illinois basketball comes alive in senior night win

By Sean Neumann • Mar 5, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce reacts to the officials after calling a timeout during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Jan. 18. The Illini lost 80-74.

Illinois basketball still clinging to NCAA tournament hopes

By Sean Neumann • Mar 3, 2015
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice attempts to get past Iowa's defense during the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa on Wednesday.

Illinois basketball falls at Iowa, 68-60

By Sean Neumann • Feb 26, 2015
Spartans coach Tom Izzy talking to Brandon Dawson during last season's Illinois-Michigan State game at State Farm Center

Izzo, Groce: Big Ten deserves respect

By Sean Neumann • Feb 24, 2015
Hill’s improvements key to Illini basketball’s season

Hill’s improvements key to Illini basketball’s season

By Sean Neumann • Feb 19, 2015

Illinois hires Mike Phair as Illini co-defensive coordinator

By Sean Neumann • Feb 13, 2015
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn (25) rises while attempting to finish a fast-break with a dunk during the game against Michigan at State Farm Center, on Feb. 12, 2014. The Illini won 64-52.

Illini use late push to outlast Michigan in overtime

By Sean Neumann • Feb 13, 2015
Members of the Orange Krush attempt to distract Rapheal Davis while he inbounds the ball during the game against Purdue at State Farm Center on Jan. 21. The Illini won 66-57.

Illini basketball looks for fourth-straight win Thursday

By Sean Neumann • Feb 12, 2015
Fireworks shoot over Soldier Field in Chicago during the Illinois vs. Washington football game, which was the last time the Illini played in Chicago. Illinois signed to play Northwestern at Soldier Field three times during the next five seasons.

Rivalry returns to Chicago

By Sean Neumann • Feb 10, 2015
Illinois’ Jaylon Tate goes up for a shot during the game against Rutgers at State Farm Center on Tuesday. Tate led the team with six assists.

Tate’s assists help spread Illini basketball offense

By Sean Neumann • Feb 5, 2015
Henry Enyenihi, JUCO recruit, from Sacramento City College commits to Illinois on National Signing Day on Wednesday.

Illinois football adds six junior college players to roster

By Sean Neumann • Feb 5, 2015

Illinois defeats Rutgers behind 23-6 run

By Sean Neumann • Feb 4, 2015
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) drives into the paint before making the game-winning basket during the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Jan. 31, 2015. The Illini won 60-58.

Layup in final seconds gives Illini 60-58 win

By Sean Neumann • Jan 31, 2015
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice attempts a shot against Oregon at United Center in Chicago on Dec. 13. Head coach John Groce said Rice could return Saturday against Penn State. The senior has not played since Jan. 3.

Groce: Rice, Cosby could play Saturday against Penn State

By Sean Neumann • Jan 29, 2015
Illinois' Kendrick Nunn (25) attempts to stop Indiana's Yogi Ferrell's (11) attempt on basket during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Jan. 18, 2015. The Illini lost 80-74.

Second-half runs hurting Illini basketball

By Sean Neumann • Jan 27, 2015
Illinois' Aaron Cosby (11) attempts to stop Indiana's Kevin (Yogi) Ferrell from attempting a layup during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Jan. 18, 2015. The Illini lost 80-74.

Illinois Basketball’s Aaron Cosby out 1-2 weeks with eye injury

By Sean Neumann • Jan 22, 2015
Illinois' Leron Black (12) goes up for a shot during the game against Indiana at StateFarm Center on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. The Illini lost 80-74.

Illinois basketball looks for better defense against Purdue

By Sean Neumann • Jan 21, 2015
Illinois' head coach John Groce signals to his team during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Jan. 18, 2015. The Illini lost 80-74.

Winter will ask: Illinois’ struggling conference consistency

By Sean Neumann • Jan 20, 2015
Illinois' Malcolm Hill attempts to defend Indiana's James Blackmon, Jr., during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Sunday. The Illini lost 80-74.

Illini lose, drop to 12-7

By Sean Neumann • Jan 20, 2015
Illinois' defensive coach Greg Colby before the game against Texas State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 20. Colby and special teams coordinator Tim Salem will not return to head coach Tim Beckman's staff in 2015.

Football assistants Salem, Colby will not return in 2015

By Sean Neumann • Jan 8, 2015
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice (24) takes the game-winning shot during the game against Missouri at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri on Dec.20, 2014. The Illini won 62-59.

Rice’s buzzer-beater lifts Illinois over Missouri

By Sean Neumann • Dec 20, 2014
Illinois' head coach Tim Beckman during the game against Northwestern at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. on Nov. 29. The Illini won 47-33.

Beckman’s Illini football vision goes beyond bowl game

By Sean Neumann • Dec 16, 2014
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice (24) attempts a layup during the game against Oregon at United Center in Chicago, Illinois on Dec.13, 2014. The Illini lost 70-77.

Illinois falls to Oregon at United Center 77-70

By Sean Neumann • Dec 14, 2014
Illinois’ Geronimo Allison drops a pass after being tackled during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 4. The Illini lost 38-27.

Illini football content with bowl, not with season

By Sean Neumann • Dec 10, 2014

Illini basketball can’t keep up with No. 7 Villanova

By Sean Neumann • Dec 10, 2014
Illinois' Maverick Morgan attempts a close-range shot during the game against American at State Farm Center on Dec. 6. Morgan scored eight points in 11 minutes, plus four rebounds

Illini basketball looking to bench against Villanova

By Sean Neumann • Dec 9, 2014
The Illini football team presents the Land of Lincoln trophy during the basketball game against American on Saturday. The Illini won the trophy by beating Northwestern.

Illinois football to play in Heart of Dallas Bowl

By Sean Neumann • Dec 8, 2014
Miami’s Sheldon McClellan goes to the basket to score in the first half against Illinois in Coral Gables, Florida, on Tuesday. The Hurricanes won, 70-61. The Illini’s shooting percentage was their season-worst at 33.3 percent.

Illinois basketball doomed by poor shooting in Miami loss

By Sean Neumann • Dec 3, 2014
Illini of the Week Dec. 3: Reilly O’Toole

Illini of the Week Dec. 3: Reilly O’Toole

By Sean Neumann • Dec 3, 2014
Illinois' Reilly O'Toole runs the ball during the game against Northwestern at Ryan Field on Saturday. The Illini won 47-33.

Illinois football defense makes huge improvements late

By Sean Neumann • Dec 2, 2014
Illinois’ Jihad Ward forces Northwestern’s Zack Oliver to fumble the ball during the game at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill., on Saturday. The Illini won 47-33.

Illinois beats Northwestern, reaches bowl eligibility

By Sean Neumann • Dec 1, 2014
Illinois' Reilly O'Toole (4) passes the balll during the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. The Illini won 16-14.

O’Toole leads Illini football to senior day victory

By Sean Neumann • Nov 22, 2014
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice (24) lays the ball up during the game against Austin Peay at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. The Illini won 107-66.

Illini offense breaking records early in season

By Sean Neumann • Nov 22, 2014
Illinois head coach Tim Beckman may be coaching his last game at Memorial Stadium against Penn State on Saturday. 

Illini football looks to block out distractions vs. Penn State

By Sean Neumann • Nov 20, 2014
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill takes a shot during the game against Coppin State at State Farm Center on Sunday. The Illini won 114 to 56, with Hill shooting 66.6 percent with 13 points.

Hill epitomizes Illinois basketball’s improvement

By Sean Neumann • Nov 19, 2014
Illinois basketball quickly improves in first two games

Illinois basketball quickly improves in first two games

By Sean Neumann • Nov 18, 2014
Illinois’ head coach Tim Beckman speaks to the officials during the homecoming game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 25. The Illini must win their final two games to make a bowl game.

Beckman’s job security in question

By Sean Neumann • Nov 18, 2014
Illinois' Mike Dudek (18) reaches for a touchdown catch during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. The Illini lost 30-14.

Illinois run over in 30-14 loss to Iowa

By Sean Neumann • Nov 15, 2014
Illinois' Rayvonte Rice (24) drives to the basket during the game against Georgia Southern at State Farm Center, on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014. The Illini won 80-71.

Illini basketball struggles in 80-71 win over Georgia Southern

By Sean Neumann • Nov 15, 2014
Illinois defensive coordinator Tim Banks said the seniors are trying to end their Illini careers on the right note.

Time is running out for Illinois football seniors

By Sean Neumann • Nov 13, 2014
Illinois’ Kendrick Nunn will return to the lineup this Friday when the Illini tip off the season against Georgia Southern. The sophomore guard missed the team’s lone exhibition game last Friday.

Nunn expected to play Friday night for Illinois basketball

By Sean Neumann • Nov 11, 2014
Illinois' Wes Lunt (12) attempts a pass during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday Oct. 4.

Wes Lunt to return Saturday for Illinois football

By Sean Neumann • Nov 11, 2014

Illinois opens season against Quincy

By Sean Neumann • Nov 7, 2014
Justin DuVernois: Booting his way into history

Justin DuVernois: Booting his way into history

By Sean Neumann • Nov 5, 2014
Illinois’ Taylor Barton (3) tackles Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday. The Illini lost 55-14, which was the team’s fourth road-game loss.

Illinois football struggling to find success in Big Ten

By Sean Neumann • Nov 4, 2014
With Leron Black, future could be now for Illinois basketball

With Leron Black, future could be now for Illinois basketball

By Sean Neumann • Nov 4, 2014
Champaign native Finke at home with Illinois

Champaign native Finke at home with Illinois

By Sean Neumann • Nov 4, 2014
Illinois' Aaron Bailey (15) runs the ball during the game against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. The Illini lost 55-14.

Mistakes cost Illini in 55-14 rout vs. Buckeyes

By Sean Neumann • Nov 2, 2014
Illinois' offensive coordinator Bill Cubit communicate to his team during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday Oct. 4. The Illini lost 38-27.

Cubit’s creativity keeps opponents on their toes

By Sean Neumann • Oct 30, 2014
Illinois’ Mason Monheim and T.J. Neal tackle Minnesota’s KJ Maye during the homecoming game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini won 28-24.

Banks, Illini defense hoping for consistency

By Sean Neumann • Oct 28, 2014
Illinois’ Jarrod Clements (99) tackles Minnesota’s David Cobb (27) during the homecoming game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini won 28-24.

Banks’ defensive plan finally pulls through for Illinois

By Sean Neumann • Oct 27, 2014
Illinois’ Reilly O’Toole is sacked by Purdue’s Ja’Whaun Bentley on Oct. 4. O’Toole came in to his freshman year as the backup quarterback for Nathan Scheelhaase. Entering this season as a senior, he was slated as the backup to transfer Wes Lunt.

Nearing the end of his career, O’Toole’s opportunities dwindle

By Sean Neumann • Oct 23, 2014
Illinois' Reilly O'Toole runs the ball during the game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. on Oct. 11. The Illini lost 38-28.

Illinois to use two quarterbacks against Minnesota

By Sean Neumann • Oct 21, 2014
Illinois' Reilly O'Toole (4) attempts to pass the ball during the game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. The Illini lost 38-28.

Bailey likely to get more playing time

By Sean Neumann • Oct 14, 2014
Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon (25) runs the ball during the game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. The Illini lost 38-28.

Gordon, Wisconsin run over Illini in 38-28 loss

By Sean Neumann • Oct 13, 2014

Aaron Bailey ready for playing time at QB

By Sean Neumann • Oct 8, 2014
Illinois' Reilly O'Toole (4) attempts to pass the ball during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. on Sept. 27. The Illini lost 45-14.

O’Toole, Bailey will compete to replace Lunt

By Sean Neumann • Oct 7, 2014
Illinois' Wes Lunt is helped off the field after he suffers an injuring during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014.

Lunt out four-to-six weeks with fractured leg

By Sean Neumann • Oct 5, 2014
Purdue's Austin Appleby (12) runs the ball during the game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. The Illini lost 38-27.

Illinois’ defense struggles in loss to Purdue

By Sean Neumann • Oct 4, 2014
Illinois looks to handle injuries with care

Illinois looks to handle injuries with care

By Sean Neumann • Oct 1, 2014
Illinois’ Wes Lunt (12) congratulates Geronimo Allison (8) after his touchdown during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday. Lunt is expected to return from injury.

Wes Lunt hopeful to start against Purdue

By Sean Neumann • Sep 30, 2014
Illinois' Josh Ferguson (6) carries the ball during the game against Texas State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. The Illini won 42-35.

Josh Ferguson: Running in the right direction

By Sean Neumann • Sep 26, 2014
Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah has rushed for 625 yards and five touchdowns in four games this season. He is emerging as an early Heisman candidate.

Illini defense put to test against Nebraska, Abdullah

By Sean Neumann • Sep 26, 2014
Hood showing a tour of State Farm Center during it's rennovation

Renovations on track for State Farm Center

By Sean Neumann • Sep 25, 2014
Illinois' Wes Lunt (12) looks to pass the ball during the game against Texas State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Illini won 42-35.

Illinois inconsistent heading into Big Ten play

By Sean Neumann • Sep 23, 2014
Offensive Coordinator Bill Cubit watches his team warm up against Cincinnati on Sept. 7, 2013.

Cubit Cares: Illini players find father away from home

By Sean Neumann • Sep 18, 2014
A blessing: Jihad Ward’s journey to Illinois

A blessing: Jihad Ward’s journey to Illinois

By Sean Neumann • Sep 11, 2014
Illinois' Taylor Barton intercepts a Western Kentucky pass for a 77-yard touchdown at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.The Illini won 42-34.

Illinois’ defense holds off Western Kentucky

By Sean Neumann • Sep 8, 2014

A breakdown of Western Kentucky vs. Illinois

By Sean Neumann • Sep 4, 2014
Illinois' Wes Lunt (12) attempts to pass the ball during the game against Youngstown State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. The Illini won 28-17.

Lunt has slow start in Illini win

By Sean Neumann • Aug 30, 2014
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt during practice at Memorial Field.

Same old, same old: Wes Lunt’s return to football

By Sean Neumann • Aug 28, 2014
Illinois football to hold open tryouts

Illinois football to hold open tryouts

By Sean Neumann • Aug 23, 2014

Manny Ramirez not a mistake for Cubs

By Sean Neumann • May 27, 2014

A look at the NHL conference finals

By Sean Neumann • May 19, 2014
Coach Nick Fabbrini talks to his team during a break in the 2nd period in a 6-3 win against Indiana Saturday night at the Ice Arena.

Illinois hockey struggles with consistency, tough schedule

By Sean Neumann • May 14, 2014
John Scully (14) celebrates after putting in the first goal of the night in the 1st period of a 6-3 win against Indiana Saturday night at the Ice Arena.

John Scully signs with Bloomington’s semi-professional hockey team

By Sean Neumann • Mar 19, 2014

Illinois upsets Arizona in 1st round of national tournament

By Sean Neumann • Mar 7, 2014
Nick Clarke makes a save in a 4-3 shootout loss against Minot State on Feb. 1. Clarke played his final game at the Big Pond on Sunday.

Illini seniors say goodbye to the Big Pond

By Sean Neumann • Mar 4, 2014
Austin Bostock (22) is helped off the ice after a slash in the first period of Saturday night's game at the Ice Arena that resulted in a five minute major for a Eastern Michigan player.

Hockey prevails over Eastern Michigan amid combative games

By Sean Neumann • Mar 3, 2014

Illini hockey hosts Compete for a Cure fundraiser this weekend

By Sean Neumann • Feb 27, 2014

First semester issues still haunting Illini hockey team

By Sean Neumann • Feb 25, 2014

Senior Scully’s aggression results in goals, intimidation for Illini hockey

By Sean Neumann • Feb 19, 2014

Love on ice during Illini hockey’s final home game

By Sean Neumann • Feb 18, 2014

Illini grab final spot in ACHAs

By Sean Neumann • Feb 18, 2014

Illinois hockey sweeps Indiana, hopes for national tournament bid

By Sean Neumann • Feb 17, 2014

Illini hockey may miss national tournament

By Sean Neumann • Feb 11, 2014

Illini hockey looks to earn spot in tournament

By Sean Neumann • Feb 6, 2014

All in the hockey family: Yoshi’s Story

By Sean Neumann • Feb 4, 2014

Welch’s game-winner gives Illini much-needed boost

By Sean Neumann • Jan 29, 2014

Freshman goaltender finding his place

By Sean Neumann • Jan 28, 2014

Clark leaves club hockey team to pursue firefighting career

By Sean Neumann • Jan 22, 2014

Illini hockey cruises to two easy wins

By Sean Neumann • Jan 21, 2014

Illini hockey sweeps NIU with ease

By Sean Neumann • Dec 17, 2013
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