Simpson spurns Illini: Groce loses another point guard
By Alex Roux
September 9, 2015
Xavier Simpson, the No. 66 player in ESPN’s Top 100 in the class of 2016, has committed to Michigan over Illinois.The 5-foot-11, 170 pound Simpson chose Michigan over Illinois, Miami, Wisconsin and Iowa State. He announced the decision Wednesday afternoon at his high school in Lima, Ohio.Simpson t...
Loss to Oregon troubling on multiple levels
December 14, 2014
CHICAGO — As I left the United Center following Illinois’ 77-70 loss to Oregon, most Illini fans had the same bewildered look on their faces. This was supposed to be the year the Illini found balance and consistency, where they put away opponents with their superior depth and shooting, where they h...
A win Saturday will help Illini win Chicago
December 12, 2014
It’s only December, so it’s too early in Illinois’ basketball season for a true must-win game. But a loss to Oregon on Saturday at United Center in Chicago would hurt, and it would hurt badly. It would be a crushing blow to the Illini’s nonconference resume that the NCAA tournament committee wil...
Illinois muscles past American in weekend tune-up
December 6, 2014
In an afternoon that saw ranked teams like Michigan and Miami fall at home in upsets, Illinois basketball avoided that same fate. The No. 24 Illini methodically took care of American University in a 70-55 win Saturday at State Farm Center. What John Groce’s squad lacked in spectacle they made up for wi...
Illinois won’t take American lightly in preparation for Villanova
December 5, 2014
In sports, the definition of a “trap game” is when a lesser opponent lurks on the schedule immediately before playing a big game. No. 24 Illinois basketball plays American on Saturday. Then, the Illini take on No. 10 Villanova on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden as part of the Jimmy V Classic...
Illinois basketball stumbles against Miami
December 4, 2014
Tuesday’s game against Miami was the Illinois men’s basketball team’s first real test of the year. Illinois didn’t pass. The previously undefeated No. 24 Illini (6-1) dropped a 70-61 contest to No. 15 Miami (8-0). The loss was due in a large part to the Illini’s poor shooting. Coming into th...
Illini face Miami in top-25 matchup
December 2, 2014
Much has changed for No. 24 Illinois since the team lost to Miami in the NCAA tournament two years ago. Last year the Illini filtered in a new class of players, including five freshmen, who matured on the court. This season, Illinois (6-0) has been prolific offensively, averaging 90 points per game i...
