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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
Junior Gabrielius Guzauskas and Redshirt Senior Lucas Horve celebrate with Head Coach Brad Dancer during a home match against the University of Central Florida on Feb. 10

[Photo] Illinois men’s tennis gets ready for season opener against Toledo, Kentucky

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • January 20, 2024
Josie Frazier dives to return a volley in the game against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis wraps up fall team competition at TCU Invite, ITA National Championships

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • October 27, 2023
Karlis Ozolins and Hunter Heck high five each other between plays. Illinois will participate in the Black and Gold Invite at Nashville, Tennessee from Oct. 27-29.

[Photo] Heck, Ozolins claim doubles victory for Illini men’s tennis at ITA Midwest Regional Championships

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • October 24, 2023
Kasia Treiber takes on Illinois State University at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 12.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis remains positive after competitive weekend at ITA Midwest Regional

By Sahil Mittal, Contributing Writer • October 22, 2023
Senior Ashley Yeah returns a serve against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. Yeah and Casati were honored for a successful four years of representing Illinois at Senior Night this season.

[Photo] Weekend pair of tough matches get the best of Illinois women’s tennis, close spring season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • April 23, 2023
Violeta Martinez takes on the Illinois State University Redbirds at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 12. Martinez earned her first Big Ten during a a match on Sunday against Rutgers.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis bounces back with dominant performance at Rutgers

By James Barrowman, Staff Writer • April 8, 2023
Sophomore RJ Melendez throws the ball during the game against Wisconsin on Jan. 17. Melendez will become the fourth player to enter the transfer portal in recent weeks.

[Photo] RJ Melendez enters transfer portal after 2 seasons with Illinois

By James Kim, Sports Editor • April 3, 2023
Guard Jayden Epps during a home game against Rutgers on Feb. 11, following a loss against Iowa on Feb. 4. Epps took to Twitter to announce his departure from the Illini and his entrance to the transfer portal.

[Photo] Jayden Epps enters transfer portal after debut season with Illinois men’s basketball

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 28, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins catches his breath on the court during a game one Jan. 13, where Illini basketball takes on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center. Coleman, whom is currently a junior in university, took to social media on Tuesday to make public on entering the 2023 NBA Draft.

[Photo] Coleman Hawkins declares for 2023 NBA draft following 3-year career at Illinois

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 28, 2023
Junior Kate Duong celebrates scoring against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. Duong and sophomore Kida Ferrari brought the Illini to a third set on Sunday against Purdue leading to the Illini to remain undefeated.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis battles Purdue, continues undefeated in Big Ten play

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • March 26, 2023
Junior Hunter Heck hits a backhand during a match against Central Florida on Feb. 10.

[Photo] Illinois men’s tennis takes down Penn State following impressive home performance

By Martin O’Connor, Staff Writer • March 25, 2023
Sophomore Mathis Debru reaches for the ball during a match against Central Florida on Feb. 10. Illinois will face off against Penn State on Friday at home where they hope to keep their undefeated record.

[Photo] Illinois men‘s tennis kickstarts home return with clash against Penn State

By Martin O’Connor, Staff Writer • March 24, 2023
First Baseman/Catcher Kellen Sarver enjoying his time on the field during a home game against Miami on May. 5. Starting with a slow start behind the Saluskis, the Illini managed to push their plays as the game intensified leading to a 2-3 victory for the Illini.

[Photo] Illinois baseball takes two of three games against Southern Illinois in neutral site series

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 19, 2023
Catcher Ryan Hampe starts to the run after successfully hitting ap pitch on May 14 against Nebraska. The Illini performed a good batting game against Bradley resulting in a 6-4 win.

[Photo] Illinois baseball takes down Bradley 6-4 in one game series

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • March 21, 2023
Junior guard RJ Melendez works his way down the court during a game against Wisconsin on Jan. 7. Despite a late run by Melendez and senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. on Thursday, Illinois fell short to Arkansas, with a final score of 73-63.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball suffers defeat against Arkansas in first round of NCAA tournament

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 16, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins aims to make a shot on Sunday when the Illini traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the last game of the regular season. The Illini suffered a quick exit out of the Big Ten tournament with a loss to Penn State on Thursday in Chicago.

[Photo] No. 7 Illinois men‘s basketball exits Big Ten tournament early following narrow second round loss to No. 10 Penn State

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 9, 2023
Junior infielder Drake Westcott follows through on a swing during a game against Nebraska on May 14. The Illini are currently 2-2 and this weekend, they will face off against the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi.

[Photo] Illinois baseball prepares for three-game series against No. 18 Southern Mississippi

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • February 24, 2023
Fifth-year forward Matthew Mayers readies to inbound the ball against Rutgers on Feb. 11. During the first half, Mayer had an impressive streak scoring 11 points in three minutes.

[Photo] Down-to-the-wire showdown ends with No. 14 Indiana on top of Illinois men’s basketball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 18, 2023
Sophomore Karlis Ozolins hits a backhand during a match against the University of Central Florida. Ozolins had a strong performance and won his second set during singles against one of the top-ranked players in the nation.

[Photo] Masterful performance from Ozolins lifts Illinois men’s tennis to upset win over No. 13 Georgia

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 16, 2023
Guard/Forward Ty Rodgers takes on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on January 31, 2023. Despite losing to Penn State Rodgers played significantly well on Tuesday.

[Photo] Player grades from Illinois’ second loss of season to Penn State

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • February 15, 2023
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. runs down the court during the game against Rutgers on Saturday. On Tuesday, Illinois faced off against Penn State; despite a strong performance from Shannon, the Illini suffered a 93-81 defeat.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball succumbs to 93-81 defeat against Penn State, drops rematch in University Park

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 14, 2023
Sophomores Kida Ferrari and Kasia Treiber prepare for a serve during a doubles match against Illinois State on Sunday. The duo won their match, despite falling behind early on.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis finishes weekend with 5-2 win over Illinois State

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 12, 2023
Players line up at the center of the court following a technical foul by junior forward Coleman Hawkins for hanging on the rim during the game against Rutgers on Saturday.

[Photo] Column | Illinois men‘s basketball is a beautiful catastrophe

February 13, 2023
A student races past on a bike on South Wright Street in one of the University’s many bike lanes.

[Photo] MTD, campus resources respond to recent cyclist collision

By Layli Nazarova, Staff Writer • February 13, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins dunks the ball during Saturday's game against Rutgers. Hawkins scored a team-high against Rutgers however, he asserts that he still needs to improve offensively.

[Photo] Column | ‘Assertive’ Coleman Hawkins propels Illini past No. 24 Rutgers

By Carson Gourdie, Sports Video Editor • February 12, 2023
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins jumps for the ball during the game against Rutgers on Saturday. After a staunch turnaround during the second half, Illinois came out ahead, with a final score of 69-60.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball outlasts No. 24 Rutgers with strong second half

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • February 11, 2023
Senior Josie Frazier eyes the ball as she prepared to hit it back to Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. The Illini won against Missouri 4-0 with Frazier earning 6-2 and 6-4 wins during the event.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis gets back on track with 4-0 sweep over Missouri

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 10, 2023
Doubles partners senior Ashley Yeah and freshman Violeta Martinez celebrate between serves during a match against Georgia Tech on Feb. 3. This weekend, the Illini will travel to St. Louis, where they hope to improve over last week's performance.

[Photo] Illinois women’s tennis prepares for busy double header weekend

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • February 10, 2023
Fifth-year Kailee Powell goes for a ground ball at first base during a game against Penn State on May 5, 2022. Beginning Friday, the Illini will participate in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.

[Photo] Illinois softball prepares to open 2023 season in Florida with NFCA Leadoff Classic

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 10, 2023
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins looks into the crowd at the game against Michigan State on Jan. 13. Theo Gary argues that the Illini have not only been facing losses on the court, but significant other issues and problems off the court.

[Photo] Column | Illinois men’s basketball continues to take L’s on, off the court

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • February 6, 2023
Junior Hunter Heck returns the ball during a match against Purdue on April 24, 2022. The Illini have shown to struggle on the road recently after two losses this weekend.

[Photo] Road struggles continue as Illinois men’s tennis loses to Duke, North Carolina

By Martin O’Connor, Staff Writer • February 5, 2023
Dainja makes a layup.

[Photo] 01.31.22_MBBvsNebraska_J.Slabosz_S.Malone

February 3, 2023
Redshirt sophomore forward Dain Dainja, fifth-year senior guard Matthew Mayer and junior forward Coleman Hawkins watch the hype video shown before the game against Nebraska on Tuesday.

[Photo] Gallery | Illinois basketball defeats Nebraska 72-56

January 31, 2023
Members of the Orange Krush student section yell at the men's basketball game against Michigan State on Jan. 13. Due to recent events, Orange Krush will not be at the game at Iowa on Saturday, making the first time since 2002 that the group will not travel to an away match, excluding the 2020-21 season.

[Photo] UPDATED: KAMS aids Orange Krush amid ticket scandal

By Drew Friberg and Heather Robinson • February 1, 2023
Freshman guard Ty Rodgers attempts a dunk against Nebraska on Tuesday. Along with freshman guard counterparts Jayden Epps and Sencire Harris, Rodgers played a large part in the Illini's 72-56 victory.

[Photo] Freshman trio of Epps, Harris and Rodgers boost Illinois men’s basketball to Nebraska triumph

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 1, 2023
Redshirt sophomore forward Dain Dainja, fifth-year senior guard Matthew Mayer and junior forward Coleman Hawkins watch the hype video shown before the game against Nebraska on Tuesday.

Gallery | Illinois basketball defeats Nebraska 72-56

By Jacob Slabosz and Sidney Malone • January 31, 2023
Senior Mia Takekawa poses at a meet against Rutgers on Feb. 25, 2022. On Saturday, Takekawa finished with a 9.950 on beam, placing first.

[Photo] Takekawa leads Illini to 2-0 Big Ten start

January 28, 2023
Senior Mia Takekawa poses at a meet against Rutgers on Feb. 25, 2022. On Saturday, Takekawa finished with a 9.950 on beam, placing first.

[Photo] Takekawa leads Illini to 2-0 Big Ten start

By Theo Gary, Staff Writer • January 28, 2023
Men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer walks away after conferring with current sophomores Gabrielius Guzauskas and Karlis Ozolins at a match against Purdue on April 24, 2022. Dancer said that the season started off strong, but the team's next steps will test their toughness.

[Photo] Illinois men’s tennis carries fall momentum into the spring

By Martin O’Connor, Staff Writer • January 21, 2023
Current senior Ashley Yeah serves against Rutgers on March 23, 2022. According to Yeah, she has always kept athletics and education at equal importance, which contributed to commitment at Illinois.

[Photo] Ashley Yeah enters final season with No. 70 singles ranking

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 25, 2023
Newly appointed assistant coach Sydney Sickels pitches against Penn State on May 7, 2022. During the 2021-22 season, Sickels led the Illini in innings pitched and ERA.

[Photo] Veteran experience returns for Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • January 20, 2023
Sophomore guard Adalia McKenzie shoots a free throw against Alcorn State on Nov. 13. The Illini currently have a 15-3 record.

[Photo] No. 21 Illinois women’s basketball faces big test in home return against No. 6 Indiana

January 18, 2023
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins and senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. cheer during the game against Wisconsin on Jan. 7.

[Photo] Player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Minnesota

By Drew Friberg and Carson Gourdie • January 17, 2023
Junior guard Makira Cook dribbles down the court against Alcorn State on Nov. 13, 2022. Cook led in scoring on Sunday, amassing 20 points and helping to secure 70-57 win against Minnesota.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball achieves 15-win season for first time since 2014-15 after Minnesota win

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • January 15, 2023
Redshirt sophomore center Dain Dainja goes for a layup against Michigan State on Friday. Dianja led the Illini in scoring with 20 points, leading to a 75-66 victory.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball travels to Minnesota amid three-game winning streak

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 16, 2023
At the corner of E. Green Street and S. Fifth Street, Raising Cane's is set to open at the end of February, according to Jason Zwerin, vice president of company restaurants.

[Photo] Campus Raising Cane’s sets late Feb. open date

By Cecilia Milmoe, Features Editor • January 16, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on January 13, 2023.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 75-66 win over Michigan State

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • January 13, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on January 13, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball continues hot streak with 75-66 victory over Michigan State

January 13, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris guards off the opposing team on Jan. 7, during a match against Wisconsin. Despite being a terrific guard for the Illini Harris still needs to work on his shooting as seen during Tuesday's game against Nebraska.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 76-50 win over Nebraska

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • January 12, 2023
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. leaps for a dunk against Wisconsin on Jan. 7. The Illini gets back on foot after their defeat from Northwestern with the Illini's second win on Tuesday against Nebraska.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball grabs second conference win with score 76-50 against Nebraska

By Drew Friberg • January 10, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins walks onto the court to face Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini respond after defeat from Northwestern on Jan. 4, and upcoming game against Wisconsin on Tuesday.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball looks to continue Big Ten momentum against Nebraska

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 9, 2023
Head coach Shauna Green and assistant coach DeAntoine Beasley get fired up coaching during game against Acorn on Nov. 13. Green's position as head coach led to the Illini earning 24th best team by the Associated Press for the team's amazing performance thus far.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball earns AP top 25 ranking for the first time since 2000

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • January 9, 2023
The Fighting Illini offense lines up against the Mississippi State Bulldogs Monday at the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl game in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 2, 2023, at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccanneers.

Gallery | Illini travel to Tampa, Fla. for ReliaQuest Bowl

By Sidney Malone, Staff Photographer • January 8, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins laughs at the sidelines alongside guard Terrance Shannon Jr. on Sunday. Hawkins played an amazing game against Wisconsin which led to the team's 79-69 victory on Sunday.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 10-point win over No. 14 Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • January 7, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center on January 7, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball upsets No. 14 Wisconsin 79-69 for first Big Ten victory of 2022-23

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 7, 2023
Forward Kendall Bostic reaches out for the ball during a game against Alcorn on Nov. 13. The Illini maintain their win-streak within the new year with a 85-79 victory against Northwestern on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball outlasts Northwestern, extends win-streak to seven

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • January 6, 2023
Freshman Guard Skyy Clark works through Syracuse on Nov. 29, 2022. Clark will transfer out of Illinois, according to a breaking report.

[Photo] Freshman Skyy Clark to temporarily step away from basketball

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • January 6, 2023
Head Coach Bret Bielema reacts to the Fighting Illini’s 19-10 loss at the ReliaQuest bowl game in Tampa, Fla. on January 2. Bielema added another recruit to the class of 2024 with Florida defensive back Amar Reynolds.

[Photo] Illinois football adds Florida DB Amar Reynolds to Class of 2024

June 28, 2023
Quarter back Tommy DeVito runs down the field for a touchdown against Iowa on Oct. 8. The Illini will be making their returning debut for the ReliaQuest Bowl this Monday against Mississippi State.

[Photo] Illinois looks to finish season strong against Mississippi State in ReliaQuest Bowl

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • January 1, 2023
Guard Genesis Bryant shoots a free throw during a game against Alcorn on Nov. 13. The Illini started the new year on a positive note by defeating Iowa in a close game of 90-86 on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball knocks off No. 12 Iowa in 90-86 thriller

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • January 1, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris celebrates a score against Penn State on Dec. 10. Harris had a spectacular performance as a starter during Thursday's game against Bethune-Cookman that ended with a 85-52 victory in favor of the Illini.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois’ win over Bethune-Cookman

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • December 30, 2022
Guard Jayden Epps attempts to get past Penn State on Dec. 10. The Illini dominated at home on Thursday with an 85-52 victory against Bethune-Cookman.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball downs Bethune-Cookman in 33-point victory

By James Barrowman, Staff Writer • December 29, 2022
GEO protesters on Feb. 26 voice opinions over mask policy. GEO's and University's contract negotiations reach an inclusive agreement towards the end of the year.

[Photo] UI, GEO end semester with no agreement

By Layli Nazarova, Staff Writer • December 22, 2022
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. sprints across the court during game against Syracuse on Nov. 29. Despite efforts, the Illini fell to Missouri during tonight's game at St. Louis.

[Photo] No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball sinks to a devastating 93-71 Braggin’ Rights defeat against Missouri

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 22, 2022
Head coach Shauna Green coaches the Illini from the sidelines during game against Alcorn on Nov. 13. Green speaks on the team's season performance so far after win against Florida Atlantic yesterday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball looks to continue hot start against FAU

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • December 21, 2022
Forward Brynn Shoup-Hill attempts to make a pass against Alcorn on Nov. 13. The lllini continue their win streak with a win against Florida Atlantic during today's holiday game.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball earns decisive 35-point victory off back of Bryant triple-double

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • December 21, 2022
Guard Skyy Clark attempts to block Penn State from making it to the hoop during a match off on Dec. 10. Clark played a good game against Alabama A&M on Saturday but suffered from fouls during the match.

[Photo] Player grades, notes for Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Alabama A&M

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • December 18, 2022
Guard Adalia Mckenzie dribbled the ball avoiding the opposing team during a match on Nov. 13. On Sunday the Illini achieved a 76-66 victory over Missouri during the McBride Home Braggin' Rights match at Columbia, Missouri.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball claims McBride Home Braggin’ Rights victory over Missouri

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • December 18, 2022
Forward/Guard Matthew Mayer attempts a jump shot against Penn State during a game last Saturday, The Illini rebounded from last week's match against Penn State with a 68-47 victory against Alabama during today's match at the State Farm Center.

[Photo] No. 18 Illinois men’s basketball grabs 68-47 win against Alabama A&M

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • December 17, 2022
University of Illinois Men’s Basketball takes on Pennsylvania State University on a very foggy Saturday, December 10, 2022 morning game.

[Photo] No. 18 Illinois looks to rebound against Alabama A&M following disappointing previous outing

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 17, 2022
Guard Marika Cook rushes the court to make a play during a game against Alcorn on Nov. 13. Cook managed to give the Illini a lead with layups during the match against Butler on Sunday resulting in a win for the Illini.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball survives late comeback at Butler for ninth win of season

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • December 11, 2022
Guard/Forward Matthew Mayer receives a pass from his team during a game against Syracuse on Nov. 29. The Illini suffered a defeat today from Penn State resulting in a score of 59-74.

[Photo] No. 17 Illinois men’s basketball loses out 74-59 against Penn State in Big Ten home opener

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 10, 2022
Guard Adalia McKenzie attempts to get past Alcorn's defense on Nov. 13. McKenzie has been giving a great performance for the Illini this season however, despite efforts the team suffered a loss to Indiana on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois women’s basketball falls short in Big Ten opener to No. 5 Indiana

By Conor Blount, Staff Writer • December 4, 2022
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