Sturdy's Rewind: Illini Hold On

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

February 12, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

The Illini got a much-needed win on Tuesday evening over a red hot UCLA Bruins team that came in on a 7-game winning streak. They weren’t perfect and struggled to finish but closed it out 83-78 behind 24 points from Kasparas Jakucionis and 16 from Tomislav Ivisic as they moved to 17-8 and 9-6 in the Big Ten.

Here’s a look back.

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Podcasts

Feb 14 - Hr2 - S4Ep27 - 4-Star Illini LB Commit Cam Thomas, Super Bowl Recap & Illini Legend Luther Head

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Feb 14 - Hr1 - S4Ep27 - Michigan State Showdown, Kofi & TSJ Jerseys Honored & Illini Legend Deon Thomas

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Illini Legend Luther Head Talks Illini Basketball & More - #461

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Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Rugged UCLA Bruins 83-78 at Home - #460

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Riley & Jakucionis Lead Illini to 95-74 Road Win over Minnesota- #459

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Feb 7 - Hr2 - S4Ep26 - Matt Stevens, ACC Hoops, Paul Crane & Super Bowl Predictions

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Feb 7 - Hr1 - S4Ep26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops, Kent Brown's Book & Best Super Bowl Performances

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Cam Thomas 2026 4-Star Illini LB Commit

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Poor 1st Half Start Sinks the Fighting Illini vs Rutgers - #458

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Ivisic Returns, 5-Star CB Commits to Illini, Shauna Green Leads Illini to 17-5, Luka Traded & Super Bowl Prediction

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Illinois Fighting Illini 2nd Half Rally Sinks Ohio State Buckeyes - #457

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Jan 31 - Hr2 - S4Ep25 - Ked's Recruiting Roundup, Jerry Palm of CBS & Game Predictions

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Jan 31 - Hr1 - S4Ep25 - RIP Efrem, Bostic's Record, Bruce Douglas & Mike Small

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Fighting Illini with an Unexpected 80-74 OT Loss to Nebraska - #456

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Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini Star C Out, Jerry Jones Strikes Again, & RIP Efrem Winters

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