Basketball

Illinois at Iowa: Goode's Return - Preview, Keys and a Pick

Illinois at Iowa: Goode's Return - Preview, Keys and a Pick

#25 Illinois (16-6, 7-4) at Iowa (14-8, 6-5) Feb. […]

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No. 18 Wolverines Dominate Illini 74-57 Despite Missing Leading Scorer

No. 18 Wolverines Dominate Illini 74-57 Despite Missing Leading Scorer

After a slow first half, Illinois cut No. 18 Michigan’s lead to as low as eight points in the fourth quarter but couldn’t withstand a final run to lose its third conference game in its last five tries. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 2, 2023

For the second time in seven days, the offense of the Illinois women’s basketball team struggled to find consistency leading to a conference loss.

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‘We recruit toughness’: The Moment Genesis Bryant Made Shauna Green Realize Her Culture at Illinois Was Forming

‘We recruit toughness’: The Moment Genesis Bryant Made Shauna Green Realize Her Culture at Illinois Was Forming

On Dec. 8, Genesis Bryant tried to practice being able to see out of only one eye and while pulling her from the day’s activities, Illinois coach Shauna Green realized her ‘one way’ culture was forming. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 2, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- If there’s a moment where Shauna Green knew she had the correct culture buy-in in her first season as the Illinois head coach, it occurred seven days into December. 

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Sturdy's Takeaways - Nebraska Edition

Sturdy's Takeaways - Nebraska Edition

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

February 1, 2023

These 4 Takeaways

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Ty Them Down: Rodgers Finishes Win Over Nebraska With Dominating Defense & Rebounding Performance

Ty Them Down: Rodgers Finishes Win Over Nebraska With Dominating Defense & Rebounding Performance

Illinois freshman wing Ty Rodgers has carved out a role in his freshman season as the “invaluable” complimentary part to Brad Underwood’s rotation. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 31, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Being a complimentary part isn’t something new in the basketball life of Ty Rodgers, but the freshman cites his current mindset toward what was a breakout performance. 

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Illini Defense Downs Nebraska, Climb Into Sole Possession of 2nd Place

Illini Defense Downs Nebraska, Climb Into Sole Possession of 2nd Place

By IlliniGuys Staff

January 31, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Matthew Mayer scored a team-high 16 points and the Illinois defense completely locked down Nebraska down the stretch to put together a convincing 72-56 win Tuesday night at State Farm Center.

It's the seventh win in eight games for the Illini (16-6, 7-4), who become just the second team to win seven games in Big Ten play after Purdue.

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Whitney Young's Star PG Destiny Jackson Serious About Illinois

Whitney Young's Star PG Destiny Jackson Serious About Illinois

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 30, 2023

Arguably the best sophomore player in the state of Illinois in girls' basketball is Destiny Jackson from Whitney Young High School in Chicago.

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Illinois Preview versus Nebraska

Illinois Preview versus Nebraska

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular January 31, 2023 […]

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"Not playing like a freshman": Jayden Epps Continuing Point Guard Development During Illini’s Win Streak

Illinois is 3-0 with freshman guard Jayden Epps in the starting lineup. The former four-star prospect had 13 points and held Wisconsin’s perimeter players to being a non-factor on Saturday. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 31, 2023

MADISON, Wis. -- Jayden Epps isn’t being treated by his coaching staff with the brand of a first-year player any longer.

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Adalia McKenzie Responds to One-On-One Tutoring From Illini Head Coach With Double-Double

Adalia McKenzie Responds to One-On-One Tutoring From Illini Head Coach With Double-Double

Illinois sophomore wing Adalia McKenzie responded from one of her career worst performances earlier in the week to one of her best this season in a 10-point home win. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 30, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Sometimes when you have to fix something, you have to do it yourself.

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Strong Shooting Performance Lifts #22 Illini Over Spartans, 86-76

Strong Shooting Performance Lifts #22 Illini Over Spartans, 86-76

By IlliniGuys Staff January 29, 2023 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - […]

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Underwood’s Desire to Build a ‘Win Ugly’ Culture at Illinois Counters Previous Kohl Center Magic

Underwood’s Desire to Build a ‘Win Ugly’ Culture at Illinois Counters Previous Kohl Center Magic

The sixth win in the last seven games for Illinois is slowly building head coach Brad Underwood’s brand of winning with defense, toughness and rebounding.  

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 29, 2023

MADISON, Wis. -- What occurred in the Kohl Center is the definition of what Illinois head coach Brad Underwood talks about from the point of the first preseason practice when the topic of toughness is brought up. 

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Sturdy's Takeaways - Illini Roll Over Badgers

Sturdy's Takeaways - Illini Roll Over Badgers

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

January 29, 2023

The first half wasn’t pretty, but in the 2nd half the Illini put up 41 points beyond a stellar 26-point effort from Matthew Mayer to cruise to a 61-51 win over the struggling Wisconsin Badgers.

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Mayer's Career-High 26 Points Lifts Illini To Season Sweep of Badgers

Mayer's Career-High 26 Points Lifts Illini To Season Sweep of Badgers

By IlliniGuys Staff

January 28, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

MADISON, Wisc. - With leading scorer Terrence Shannon Jr. handcuffed by foul trouble, Matthew Mayer delivered a career-high 26 points as Illinois defeated Wisconsin for the sixth consecutive game, 61-51 Saturday afternoon.

Illinois (15-6, 6-4) has now won six of its last seven games to put that 0-3 start in the Big Ten behind them and climb into a 4th place tie in the conference.

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‘This is part of the process’: Shauna Green’s Illini Facing Reality Check in Late January

‘This is part of the process’: Shauna Green’s Illini Facing Reality Check in Late January

After a storybook start to the 2022-23 season, Illinois has lost three of its last five games and is searching for the mentality that got them to national ranking in an unforgiving Big Ten Conference. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 27, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Without wanting to admit it out loud, Shauna Green knew the reality check portion of her first season as head coach at Illinois was coming.

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