After eight consecutive losses, it becomes hard to find answers. Illinois basketball’s losing streak has nothing to do with the players’ attitude or effort. It comes down to execution and, maybe more importantly, consistent execution.

“We’re trying everything,” head coach John Groce said. “I’m open to anything and everything. We talk about being solutions-based. We are going to try and stay positive and fight.”

The Illini didn’t play a great game Tuesday against Wisconsin, but they were in it. Like they’ve been in games against Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana and Iowa.

Saturday’s game against Iowa, more than any of the aforementioned matchups, was there for the taking on a night when Illinois was playing well, but they couldn’t hold onto the lead. Tuesday didn’t feel quite like that. The same intensity was not there.

“A couple possessions were like (Saturday),” senior Joseph Bertrand said. “I don’t think we had as much as we should have to win the game. We had glimpses of it.”

Throughout much of Big Ten play, Illinois has had glimpses of what it could be. But the Illini have not been able to put it all together for some time now.

Little help from the bench

Illinois’ freshmen-laden bench mustered only five points against the Badgers on Tuesday. Only one of those points came in the second half. Kendrick Nunn had four points and Jaylon Tate added a free throw. Malcolm Hill and Maverick Morgan, who combined for 18 minutes of play, failed to notch a point and each recorded a turnover.

Against Iowa it felt as if the bench helped fuel Illinois’ 21-point comeback. Nunn had a key fast break block in the first half turnaround and also hit a three.

Groce said he’s really liked the strides Nunn has made since the beginning of the season. One could argue that Nunn has been the most consistent player off an Illini bench that has, for the most part, been inconsistent.

A lack of consistency is what has Groce searching for answers.  

“We’re trying everything,” Groce said. “And I do mean everything.”

Losing streak mounts

Illinois’ eight-game losing streak is the program’s longest since the 1973-74 season, when Illinois lost 11 straight games and finished 5-18 overall. And sitting in last place in the Big Ten, it’s hard to argue that Illinois is the favorite in any of its remaining games.

Next up is a road trip to Penn State on Sunday to face a Nittany Lion team that’s won its last three. After heading to the far eastern reaches of the Big Ten, Illinois will stop in Champaign for a couple of days before heading in the opposite direction to play a Nebraska squad that is one point short of a perfect Big Ten home record.

“Watching these games in our league, every night it’s a grind, it’s a dogfight,” Groce said before the Wisconsin game. “It’s a play or two here or there that makes a difference in games.”

For Illinois, a play or two could be the difference between a last-place finish or not.

Sean can be reached at [email protected] and @sean_hammond.