For the first time in the last three years, Illinois won back-to-back games against top-25 teams. But while wins against Indiana and Minnesota amounted to a week of glory, they weren’t without some familiar lows. In each game, Illinois found itself facing significant deficits that aligned with much of the Illini’s last month of basketball. Fueled by gritty defense and clutch playmaking, however, Illinois initiated two comebacks that propelled it to victory.

Illinois 74, No. 1 Indiana 72

The Illini trailed the Hoosiers by 12 at halftime and didn’t make a field goal for the first 9:30 of the first half.

Illinois stared down a 62-49 deficit to Indiana on Thursday with a little under 10 minutes to play before proceeding to rip off a furious comeback to secure the upset victory.

Here’s what the Illini accomplished in those final 10 minutes:

• Went on a 25-10 run
• Forced five turnovers
• Went 3-for-6 from 3-point range.
• Went 8-for-13 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line

Illinois 57, then-No. 18 Minnesota 53

Against Minnesota on Sunday, the Illini finally woke up with 4:30 remaining in the first half. Austin Hollins had just nailed a pair of free throws to give the Golden Gophers a 12-point lead, their largest of the game. From there, Illinois went on an 17-4 run that ended with a D.J. Richardson 3, sending the Illini into the locker room with a one-point lead at halftime.

• Here’s what the Illini accomplished in those final 4:30 of the first half:
• Forced two turnovers
• Went 7-for-8 from the field
• Went 4-for-4 from 3-point range
• Held Minnesota 0-for-5 from the field

Ethan and Thomas can be reached at [email protected].