By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular
March 13, 2025
It was a defense-optional affair in this one, as the Illini outscored the Iowa Hawkeyes 106-94 to move to 21-11 and a date with Maryland on Friday night at 6:30PM EST.
Illinois had 4 players score 19 points or more, led by 24 from Kylan Boswell as they continue to score at a wild clip, especially in the second half. The Illini scored 1.493 PPP and were at a 1.500 clip in the second half. Tre White and Will Riley continued to put up numbers, scoring 21 and 22 points respectively. White is now averaging 18.5 PPG over his last 6 games and Riley is scoring at a 17.8 clip over his last 4.
These 3 (5) Things
Ivisic is the Key - You may not have realized it when he was out, but Tomislav Ivisic sets the tone for the offense. Hsi ability to not only space the floor and pull the 5 man away from the basket, but also to pass the ball over the top of the defense creates so many opportunities and advantages for Illinois. There is no rim protection and that is why Illinois was 20-23 at the rim.
KJ Struggles - Kasparas Jakucionis had played a solid floor game for the past 3 games, but he fell back into some old habits in this one. He is pressing at times, trying to do too much. His talent is evident, but he has holes just like most 19 year olds not named Cooper Flagg or LeBron James. Illinois needs him to play well, even if he isn’t making shots, if they want to make a run in March.
Defense Optional - Iowa is the 2nd highest scoring team in the Big Ten, so it isn’t surprising that these two teams combined for 200 points. But the lack of defense was a big part of it. Illinois had no bite defensively, allowed Iowa to run their stuff without opposition and it allowed Payton Sandfort to get hot and score 30, tying a career high. They will need to be a bit tougher against Maryland.
Morez Does What He Does - Although he only played 11 minutes in his first action since breaking his wrist 4 weeks ago, Morez Johnson grabbed 8 rebounds and picked up right where he left off. Brad Underwood told him pregame to defend, rebound and run, and he did just that. He has only had 2 days of practice since they cleared him to learn their new defensive system, so he is going to keep getting better and better. He will need to play more minutes on Friday against Maryland.
The Boswell We Needed - Look, Kylan Boswell scored a career high and he is clearly exuding confidence right now. He also had 7 assists and 1 turnover. But his leadership has changed this squad. Realizing that KJ was struggling, he allowed him to shoot the technical free throws to give him some confidence. The first thing is that he was willing to give up the 4 points he could have had, but his realization of what was needed in that moment and how to pick up his teammate is huge. It’s a small thing, but this goes along with the ‘leaders eat last’ mentality and it's a big reason why Illinois is where they are over the past 4 games.
Notable
Illinois advances to the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal vs. 2 seed Maryland on Friday (5:30 p.m. CT, BTN).
The Illini's 106 points are their most in a Big Ten Tournament game in program history.
That also ranks as the second-most points scored in Big Ten Tournament history.
The Illini scored 100+ points for the fourth time this season, improving to 4-0 in those contests.
It is the team's first 100-point game since tallying 109 in a win at No. 9 Oregon on Jan. 2.
Illinois improved to 20-1 this season when scoring 80+ points.
Illinois' 35 made field goals are its most in a Big Ten Tournament game in program history.
That mark also ranks tied for the fourth-most by any team in tournament history.
The Illini had three 20-point scorers for the second time this season (Boswell [24], White [22], Riley [21]).
Also did so against Penn State on Jan. 8.
The Illini are the first team since at least 2004-05 with three 20-point scorers in a Big Ten Tournament game.
Illinois went 46.2% (12-for-26) from 3-point range.
Was the team's fourth-best 3-point percentage this season.
Illinois outrebounded Iowa at a 41-24 margin.
The Illini grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and converted for 17 second-chance points.
Illinois has 10+ o boards in 26 games this season.
The Illini had 20 assists on 35 made field goals.
Had 20+ assists for the seventh time this season.
In a game with 10 lead changes and eight ties, Illinois led for a total of 32:37.
Illinois moved into a tie for second place for most all-time Big Ten Tournament wins:
1. Ohio State, 38
T2. Illinois & Michigan State, 35
Illinois is 25-8 in Big Ten Tournament games when it is the higher (better) seed and has won four straight games as the higher seed following the team's championship run last season.
Illinois owns a 19-8 all-time record when playing its opening game of the Big Ten Tournament.
Kylan Boswell paced the Illini attack with 24 points and seven assists.
Scored a career-high 24 points.
Was his second 20-point game of the season.
Led the Illini in scoring for the third time.
Has 10+ points in five-straight games and for the 21st time this season.
Recorded his 10th game of the season with 5+ assists.
Tre White poured in 22 points to go along with five rebounds.
Posted his fifth 20-point scoring effort of the season.
Reached double figures in scoring for the fifth straight game, a season-best streak.
Has scored 10+ points in 14 games this season.
Hit multiple 3-pointers for the fourth straight game.
Has hit 11 3-pointers in his last five games after knocking down 10 triples through his first 24 games.
Will Riley tallied 21 points while also totaling seven rebounds and five assists.
Registered his fifth game this season with at least 20 points.
Scored in double figures for the fourth-consecutive game and for the 20th time this season.
Has 10+ points in 11 of his last 12 appearances.
Started 5-for-6 from the field.
Tomislav Ivisic recorded a double-double with 19 points and team-high 10 rebounds while also dishing out six assists.
Secured his team-leading 10th double-double of the season.
Has knocked down at least one 3-pointer in 24 games this season, tied with Stanford's Maxime Raynaud for the most games with a triple among 7-footers.
Fifth game with at least three 3-pointers.
19 games scoring in double figures.
Dished out a career-high six assists
Morez Johnson Jr. had four points and eight rebounds in his return.
Played first minutes since Feb. 15 vs. Michigan State.
He missed the final five games of the regular season with a left wrist fracture.
Five of his eight rebounds came on the offensive glass.
Has 5+ offensive boards in six games this season.
