COLUMN: If Underwood Does Not Like His Illini’s Reputation in Close Games, There’s a Way to Fix That

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood brushed off a question two weeks ago from IlliniGuys.com co-founder Brad Sturdy and the reality of that question bit him again in the Big Ten Tournament.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 19, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Brad Underwood would be wise to take the advice of the ancient philosopher Mick Jagger.

The Illinois head coach isn’t always going to get what he wants but if you try sometimes, he just might find he gets exactly what he needs.

Immediately after a 78-72 win at . . .

 

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