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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
Will Payne

Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor

Guard, Adalia McKenzie, focuses on making a free throw against SIU on November 18. Despite the Illini breaking a losing streak on Wednesday they will have to perform against staggering odds to pull another win in the Big Ten Tournament.

Illinois women’s basketball to face off versus Nebraska in second round of Big Ten Tournament

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 3, 2022
The Illini basketball team applaud after the playing of "Hail to the Orange" at the end of a match against Rutgers on Sunday. The Illini went on to break an 11-game losing streak during the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday against the Badgers.

Illinois women’s basketball lights it up from downtown in Big Ten Tournament victory over Wisconsin

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 3, 2022
Guard De'Myla Brown shoots form the three point line during the game against Rutgers on Sunday. The Illini fall against the Scarlet Knights. 56-66. for their last regular season game.

Illinois women’s basketball drops 2021-22 regular season finale versus Rutgers

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 28, 2022
Guard Aaliyah Nye defends on the court against Northwestern on Monday. Nye scored 14 points during the game against Minnesota, but the Illini lose to the Golden Gophers 87-54.

Illinois women’s basketball comes up short in final road game versus Minnesota

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 26, 2022

Illinois women’s basketball visits Twin Cities for a face off with Minnesota

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 24, 2022
Guard Jayla Oden runs past a Nebraska opponent on Saturday. The Illini will be heading away to Purdue on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball travels to West Lafayette for a matchup with Purdue

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 17, 2022
Forward Kendall Bostic strategizes with guard Adalia McKenzie during the game against Ohio State on Monday. Bostic was one of the top scorers during the game with 12 points.

Aaliyah Nye, Kendall Bostic lead Illinois women’s basketball effort in loss versus Ohio State

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 15, 2022
Guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini will be hosting against Ohio State on Monday.

Illinois women’s basketball welcomes No. 18 Ohio State to State Farm Center

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 14, 2022
Freshman guard Adalia Mckenzie runs with the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. Illinois lost to the Cornhuskers 82-63 making it their sixth consecutive loss.

Illinois women’s basketball drops Big Ten matchup versus Nebraska

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 13, 2022
Forward Kendall Bostic goes for a layup during the game against Purdue on Jan. 20. Bostic gave the team its best performance of the season so far during the Eastern Kentucky game, recording 12 points and 22 rebounds in the Illini's 71-57 win on Dec. 5.

Illinois women’s basketball experiences ups, downs during first half of the season

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 26, 2022
Guard De'Myla Brown performs a lay up during the game against Penn State on Jan. 16. The Illini hope for a win against the Hawkeyes after several losses in the past.

Illinois women’s basketball to face off against the No. 25 Iowa Hawkeyes

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 23, 2022
Guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles towards the hoop during the Penn State game on Jan. 16. The Illini will be back home and will be up against Purdue on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball welcomes Purdue Boilermakers to the State Farm Center

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 20, 2022
Guard De'Myla Brown rushes a Missouri opponent on Dec. 22. The Illini will be up against Ohio State on Sunday.

Illinois women’s basketball continues Big Ten play versus Wisconsin

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 9, 2022
Guard Adalia Mckenzie rushes past a Missouri opponent on Dec. 22. Since recovering from a Covid-19 outbreak, the Illini will be back playing against Ohio State on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball returns to action versus Ohio State

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 6, 2022
Guard Adalia McKenzie runs down the court during the game against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 5. Illinois women's basketball will host the Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri tonight.

Illinois women’s basketball to host Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 22, 2021
Guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Florida State on Dec. 2. The Illini will be up against Butler on Sunday.

Illinois women’s basketball is back in action versus Butler Bulldogs

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 12, 2021
Center Geovana Lopes performs a layup during the game against Florida State on Dec. 2. The Illini will be playing against Michigan on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball heads back on the road, opens conference play against Michigan State

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 9, 2021
Kendall Bostic goes to block a shot during Illinois women's basketball's game against SIUE on Nov. 18. Bostic grabbed 22 rebounds on Sunday against Eastern Kentucky, the third-highest mark in program history.

Illinois women’s basketball’s Kendall Bostic bounces back with historic performance against Eastern Kentucky

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 7, 2021
Punter Blake Hayes on the sidelines during the second half of the game against the Rutgers on Oct. 30. Hayes and other players from the team receive All-Big Ten Honors.

Five Illini earn All-Big Ten honors

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 2, 2021
Guard Sara Anastasieska dribbles the ball past SIUE player on Nov. 18. The Illini will be hosting against Florida State on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball welcomes No. 25 Florida State to State Farm Center

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 2, 2021
Illinois defensive back Tony Adams flexes in celebration during Illinois' 47-14 win over Northwestern on Saturday. Adams and the Illini defense dominated, forcing two turnovers while allowing just 14 points in the emphatic win.

Solid defensive performance key in Senior Day victory against Northwestern

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 28, 2021
Guard De'Myla Brown dribbles down the court during the SIUE game on Nov. 18. Even with Brown's strong performance, the Illini have a tough fall this past weekend in Florida.

Lack of consistent contributors leads to disappointing weekend for Illini women’s basketball

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 27, 2021
Guard Adalia McKenzie performs a layup during the game against SIUE on Nov. 18. The Illini will be up against the Flyers for the Daytona Invitational this Friday.

Illinois women’s basketball kicks off Daytona Beach Invitational versus Dayton

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 26, 2021
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema walks onto the field at Memorial Stadium before the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. Bielema has focused on in-state recruiting in hopes of a brighter future for the Illini.

From recruits to contributors: Illinois’ Big Ten teams bring top talent to their programs

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 23, 2021
Wide Receiver Isaiah Williams sprints past an Iowa defender during the game at Kinnick Stadium yesterday. Illinois struggles to gain momentum against Iowa after their strong start.

Illinois football’s offense struggles to build momentum against Iowa after stellar opening drive

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 21, 2021
Guard Jada Peebles runs around a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville defender on Nov. 18 at State Farm Center. Illinois welcomes UC Riverside to Champaign for their game this afternoon.

Illinois women’s basketball welcomes UC Riverside to Champaign to conclude their four-game home stand

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 21, 2021
Guard Aaliyah Nye dribbles past opponent during the game against SIUE on Nov. 18. After a disappointing loss against SIUE, the Illini hopes for a better outcome against CU Riverside on Sunday.

Aaliyah Nye’s 17 points are not enough as SIU Edwardsville stuns Illinois women’s basketball

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 20, 2021
Guard Jayla Oden rushes toward the hoop during the game against North Carolina Central on Nov. 9. The Illini will be up against SIU on Thursday and have high hopes in maintaining their streak.

Illinois women’s basketball aims to maintain winning practices against SIU Edwardsville

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 18, 2021
Guard De'Myla Brown attempts a layup during the game against the Miami RedHawks on Nov. 14. After two consecutive wins, the Illini have high hopes against SIUE on Thursday.

Four scorers in double figures lead Illinois to second straight victory

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 15, 2021
Forward Kendall Bostic attempts a three pointer during the game against North Carolina Central Tuesday at State Farm Center. Bostic and Aaliyah Nye dominated the court during the season opener.

Aaliyah Nye, Kendall Bostic lead charge for Illini women’s basketball in season opener

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2021
Illini guard Jada Peebles attempts a lay-up against Valparaiso on Dec. 2, 2020. The team will begin their season against North Carolina Central on Tuesday.

Illinois women’s basketball hosts season opener against North Carolina Central

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 9, 2021
The Illini defensive linemen work together to prevent a Minnesota touch down on Oct. 6. The team's defense was a key aspect to their victory.

Illinois football’s defense proves to be dominant force against No. 20 Minnesota

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 8, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters runs back with the ball during the game against Rutgers Saturday. The team had a good start to the game but couldn't pull through in the end and lost the matchup 20-14.

Tale of two halves for quarterback Brandon Peters, Illini offense leads to disappointing loss against Scarlet Knights

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 1, 2021
Running back Josh McCray (0) celebrates with defensive lineman Roderick Perry II the team's victory against Penn State Oct. 23. The long battle was won with strong performances from the offensive linemen and running backs.

Explosive Illini running game proves vital to Penn State upset

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 24, 2021
Kicker Will McManus commits to Illini Football as a tight end in line to replace kicker James McCourt once he leaves.

Kicker Will McManus commits to Illinois football

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 20, 2021
Quarterback Artur Sitkowski attempts to throw the ball during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9 during Homecoming Weekend. Illini football continues to struggle with their offensive line.

Column | Offensive struggles continue into Big Ten play for Illini football

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 15, 2021
Cleveland Browns Kicker Chase McLaughlin connects on a field goal attempt in the first half held by Cleveland Browns punter Jamie Gillan, Oct. 10 at SoFi Stadium. Former Illini playing in the NFL receive a week 5 update.

Illini in the NFL: McLaughlin remains consistent, rookies play starring roles

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 14, 2021
Sophomore Chase Brown runs with the ball against Charlotte on Saturday. Chase Brown worked hard to get to where he is at with his coaches pushing him hard.

Chase Brown stuffs stat sheet against Charlotte

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 3, 2021
Kofi Cockburn celebrates during the game against Nebraska on Feb. 25 at State Farm Center. Cockburn will form a dangerous tandem with fellow big man Florida transfer Omar Payne.

Cockburn, Payne look to establish dominate front court duo for Illinois men’s basketball

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 1, 2021
Freshman running back Josh McCray sprints through a break in the offensive at the game against Purdue on Saturday. Though McCray put together a career-best performance, struggles from quarterback Brandon Peters slowed the offense down in the 13-9 loss to the Boilermakers.

Offensive struggles remain Illinois football’s Achilles’ heel against Purdue

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 28, 2021
The swim and dive team poses for a team photo outside of the ARC. The first event is on Oct. 9 at the ARC for the annual Orange & Blue meet.

Illinois swim and dive set for 2021-22 season

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 27, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters prepares to receive the snap during the game against Maryland on Friday. After missing two games due to an injury, Peters returned on Friday, though an underwhelming performance drew concerns about the Illini's quarterback situation.

Illini quarterbacks struggle to produce as losses pile up

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 20, 2021
Quarterback Artur Sitkowski hands the ball off to running back Jakari Norwood during the game against UTSA on Sept. 4. With uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Illini will need consistent production from their running backs.

Illini running backs look to carry more of offensive load

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 13, 2021
Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs celebrates a fumble recovery and touchdown during the game against Rutgers. Hobbs will be playing his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL.

Former Illinois players look to impress during the 2021 NFL season

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 11, 2021
Kicker James Mc Court begins to follow through on a kick during the Illinois football game against UTSA on Saturday. McCourt and Blake Hayes played a vital role in competing against UTSA.

McCourt, Hayes play vital role in helping Illini compete against UTSA

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 5, 2021
Sophomore Arthur Sitkowski looks for a place to throw the football against Nebraska Aug. 28. Senior Arthur Sitkowski shocked everyone on Sat. with his game play for Illinois.

A work of Art: Sitkowski makes unexpected debut, leads Illini to early season victory

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 31, 2021
Senior Tony Adams chases after a Nebraska Cornhuskers Aug. 28. Senior Tony Adams was one of the strongest defensemen playing.

Bielema’s defense proves to be breath of fresh air against Nebraska

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 28, 2021
Offensive linebacker Verdis Brown looks to tackle his opponent during the game against Nebraska Sept. 21. Illini defense gear up to compete against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium with their lead Quarterback Adrian Martinez.

Illini defense looks to contain Cornhusker quarterback Adrian Martinez

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 26, 2021
Running back Mike Epstein flies through the air while clutching a football in a game against Minnesota. Epstein is returning for his fifth season with the Illini.

Epstein returns for another season in backfield with Illini

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 20, 2021
Senior Owen Carney tries to intercept a throw from Iowa on Dec. 5. The team is prepping for the season ahead with new coach Bret Bielema.

Experienced Illini defenders look to impress during 2021 season

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Aug 18, 2021
Former Illini baseball player Nathan Lavender walks off the field after pitching three outs on April 18 against Purdue. Nathan Lavender will now be playing in the MLB with the New York Mets.

Former Illini Nate Lavender adjusts to life as a pro

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 31, 2021
Former Illini basketball player Giorgi Bezhanishvili tries to block a shot being made by Nebraska on Feb. 25. Giorgi Bezhanishvili was invited to play for the NBA Denver Nuggets this upcoming season.

Giorgi Bezhanishvili invited to play in the NBA Summer League with the Denver Nuggets

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 30, 2021
Aidan Laughery poses for a photo in Illinois gear. Laughery recently committed to the Illinois football family for the upcoming fall season.

2022 running back Aidan Laughery commits to Illinois

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 14, 2021
Jayden Epps smiles while coaching kids participating in a free basketball camp at Fairlawn Recreation Center April 8. Epps recently committed to the Illinois basketball program for the upcoming season.

2022 guard Jayden Epps announces commitment to Illinois

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 13, 2021
Illinois pitcher Nathan Lavender stands near the dugout prior to the game against Purdue on April 18. Lavender and teammate Andrew Hoffmann were selected in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Andrew Hoffmann, Nathan Lavender selected in 2021 MLB Draft

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Jul 13, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong celebrates winning a point with her teammates cheering her on from a neighboring court at the match against Michigan State April 9. The team capped off the year with a 9-9 record.

Illinois finishes off eventful season with respectable record

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • May 12, 2021
Sophomores Ashley Yeah and Josie Frazier celebrate after scoring against Minnesota on April 9. The team's season is over after a lost against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament.

Illinois gets knocked out of Big Ten tournament after Michigan loss

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • May 1, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong finishes up a match against Michigan State April 9 at Atkins Tennis Center. The team prepares to take on Purdue in the Big Ten tournament Thursday.

Illinois heads to Madison to compete in Big Ten tournament

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 28, 2021
Athletic director Josh Whitman (left) poses with new head wrestling coach Mike Poeta at a press conference Thursday. Poeta takes over for recently retired coach Jim Heffernan.

Poeta begins new chapter in wrestling program

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 25, 2021
SAsuka Kawai, Mia Rabinowitz, EmileeDuong and Sasha Belaya (left to right) pose for a photo on senior day Sunday. The Illinois women’s tennis team won the match 4-3, upsetting No. 7 Northwestern.

Illinois honors four seniors, bids farewell in regular season finale

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 22, 2021
New head wrestling coach Mike Poeta instructs a wrestler from the sidelines during the meet against Purdue on Jan. 22. Poeta was previously the assistant coach for four years but was promoted after previous head coach Jim Heffernan retired.

Mike Poeta announced as new wrestling head coach

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 21, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong swings at the tennis ball during their match on April 9 against Michigan. The Women's Tennis team celebrates finishing their regular season by beating Northwestern.

Illinois pulls off huge upset against No. 7 Northwestern

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 18, 2021
Freshman Kate Duong hits a ball during a match against Michigan State on April 9. The Illinois women's tennis team will play their final match of the regular season on Sunday against Northwestern at Atkins Tennis Center.

Illinois to finish off regular season against Northwestern

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 17, 2021
Senior Asuka Kawai and sophomore Josie Frazier get ready to start the match against Michigan on Friday. The Women’s Tennis Team continues to keep their momentum up and won against Purdue on Sunday.

Illinois drops match to Michigan State, wins against Purdue

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 11, 2021
Illinois head wrestling coach Jim Heffernan shakes the hand of a wrestler after a match against Purdue on Jan. 22. Heffernan has just announced his retirement after 29 years in the Illinois wrestling program.

Illinois wrestling coach Jim Heffernan announces retirement

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 8, 2021
Freshman Kate Duong celebrates after winning a point in her doubles match against Wisconsin Feb. 26 at Atkins Tennis Center. The Illinois women's tennis team will face Michigan State Friday in Urbana, Illinois, before traveling to West Lafayette, Indiana, for its match against Purdue Sunday.

Illinois prepares to take on Michigan State, Purdue

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 8, 2021
Head coach Evan Clark waits for Kate Duong and Ashley Yeah to cool down before giving them some tips during their doubles match against Wisconsin Feb. 26. Clark has transformed the program since taking over as head coach in 2016.

Evan Clark takes women’s tennis program to new heights

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Apr 8, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong waits for Wisconsin to return the ball at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 26. The Fighting Illini women’s tennis team narrowly lost to Wisconsin, but pushed through and won against Minnesota this weekend.

Illinois narrowly lose in Madison, bounce back for comeback victory in Twin Cities

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 28, 2021
Senior Asuka Kawai begins a backhand swing during a match against Wisconsin on Feb. 26. The Fighting Illini women’s tennis team is scheduled to play Wisconsin and Minnesota this weekend in their respective cities.

Red-hot Illinois to visit Wisconsin, Minnesota

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 26, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong celebrates after winning a point against Wisconsin on Feb. 26. The Illinois women’s tennis team defeated Indiana and Purdue this weekend at Atkins Tennis Center.

Illinois defeats Indiana and Purdue in Big 10 doubleheader

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 21, 2021
The Illinois women’s tennis team huddles around head coach Evan Clark before their singles matches against Wisconsin on Feb. 26. The Fighting Illini are hosting Purdue and Indiana this weekend at Atkins Tennis Center.

Illinois welcomes Indiana, Purdue to Urbana for weekend matches

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 20, 2021
Women's head tennis coach Evan Clark checks on Emilee Duong and Sasha Belaya in between a match against Wisconsin on Feb. 26 at Atkins tennis Center. Clark was impressed by his teams performance against Iowa over the weekend despite losing to Nebraska on Sunday.

Illinois win against Iowa, lose to Nebraska in action-packed weekend

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 14, 2021
Freshman Kate Duong returns the ball during a match against Wisconsin on Feb. 26. Illinois will face Iowa today.

Illinois hosts Iowa, Nebraska for Big Ten doubleheader

By Will Payne, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 13, 2021
Sophomore Ashley Yeah hits the ball during the match against Oklahoma on Wednesday. This weekend, Illinois lost against Michigan and won against Michigan State.

Illinois falls to Michigan in Ann Arbor, bounces back against Michigan State in East Lansing

By Will Payne, Contributing Writer • Mar 8, 2021