The Illinois Fighting Illini made headlines on Thursday night, defeating the Oregon Ducks 109-77 at Matthew Knight Arena, marking their first road win over a top-10 team since 2021.
Ranked No. 22, the Illini showcased their offensive prowess, scoring over 100 points away from home for the first time since 2016. Illinois shot 57.5% from the field and drained 16 three-pointers throughout the contest, translating to 55.2% from beyond the arc. Tre White led the charge with 20 points and 11 rebounds, achieving his first double-double of the season.
Ben Humrichous also shone bright, netting 18 points, including four three-pointers, which added to his fifth double-figure scoring game this season. Kylan Boswell contributed significantly as well with 15 points, going 4-for-5 from three-point range, ramping up the Illini’s consistent shooting from deep.
Kasparas Jakucionis filled the stat sheet effectively, contributing 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, with all his scoring coming in the second half after battling foul trouble early. Jake Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn also made notable impacts, scoring 12 and 11 points respectively.
The Ducks, ranked No. 9, couldn't find their rhythm as Supreme Cook led them with 20 points. Oregon faced its second consecutive loss and now holds a 12-2 overall record, with significant challenges looming as they begin facing tougher opponents.
Illinois started the game strong, initially trailing 7-2 after the Ducks came out with vigor. Nevertheless, the Illini quickly righted the ship with a 12-0 run, spearheaded by contributions from their bench. Key moments unfolded as Illinois extended their lead to 45-38 by halftime, with Jake Davis making significant shots.
The second half began with Illinois scoring three consecutive three-pointers, ballooning their lead to 56-40 within just two minutes. This marked the beginning of the end for Oregon, as the Illini used these runs to establish overwhelming control, extending their lead above 20 points shortly thereafter.
Illinois saw players executed offensive sets with remarkable efficiency, finishing with numerous players contributing to the scoresheet. Among them was Tomislav Ivisic, who chipped in with eight points and eight rebounds, showcasing the team’s depth and ability to utilize various scoring options.
Despite some efforts from Oregon, the Illini maintained their dominance, putting together scores from multiple starters and bench players alike. Strong outside shooting combined with aggressive drives to the basket resulted in 48 of Illinois' points coming from inside the paint, clearly demonstrating their ability to attack from all angles.
Coach Brad Underwood’s squad has effectively rebounded after tough losses earlier this season, including matches against Alabama and Tennessee. Their current form, especially with convincing winning margins, suggests they are peaking at the right time as they gear up for more rigorous competition within the Big Ten conference.
The Ducks’ struggles, especially after such high hopes at the start of the season, leaves questions about how they will respond moving forward. Their upcoming matches are pivotal as they look to reignite their momentum after back-to-back defeats.
Looking forward, the Illini aim to continue their winning streak with another away game against Washington on Sunday, maintaining their focus on leveraging this victory as they navigate through challenging early January fixtures. Meanwhile, the Ducks will face Maryland, hoping for redemption on their home court.
The standout moment of the game was not only the impressive offensive display but also the synergy displayed across the Illini lineup, which paved the way for their dominance. With their current momentum, Illinois is setting the stage for what could be another strong season within the high-stakes environment of NCAA basketball.