“He knows what this is supposed to look like”: Illini Find Defensive Intensity in Boswell’s Return

The return of Illinois veteran guard Kylan Boswell results in Indiana producing its lowest scoring output of the season in a 71-51 blowout win for the No. 8 Illini.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 16, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Brad Underwood said he could see his basketball team losing what he called “the bite”, “its grip” and the effort needed on the defensive end.

Following back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Wisconsin, the Illinois head coach wasn’t the only one who saw it too.

“The (lack of) intensity on . . .

 

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