‘A lack of focus’ - Underwood Searching For Answers to Illini’s Lack of Defensive Intensity

On a night where Wisconsin shoots 10 of 41 from three-point range, Illinois still surrenders 91 points in a frustrating Big Ten Tournament loss.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 14, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHICAGO — In the days following a regular season finale victory, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood was sure his team needed two full days off to adapt to the constant elimination game mentality of college basketball’s postseason.

After a frustrating 91-88 overtime loss to Wisconsin in Illinois’ first game of the 2026 Big Ten Tournament, Underwood left the United Center . . .

 

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