Chambana Sun

Illinois faced a narrow defeat against top-ranked Tennessee, losing 66-64 at the State Farm Center. The game concluded with a dramatic finish as Tennessee scored the winning basket just as time expired.

The match was closely contested, featuring 14 ties and 13 lead changes. Kasparas Jakucionis led Illinois with 22 points, marking his fifth consecutive game scoring over 20 points. He also contributed three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Tre White added to Illinois' efforts with 11 points in what was his fourth double-digit scoring game of the season. Kylan Boswell and Will Riley each scored 10 points; Boswell also collected seven rebounds and made a steal, while Riley grabbed five boards.

Illinois will next play against Missouri in the McBride Homes Braggin' Rights matchup on December 22 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The game is scheduled to begin at noon Central Time on ESPN.

Kasparas Jakucionis's performance placed him alongside Will Riley as the first Illinois freshmen to score more than ten points against a top-ranked opponent since Jereme Richmond achieved this feat in January 2011 against Ohio State.

Jakucionis extended his record as the only freshman in Illinois history to have five consecutive games scoring over twenty points. He has also consistently hit multiple three-pointers in each of these games.

Tre White continued his strong form by adding two rebounds and an assist to his eleven-point tally for the night. Meanwhile, Tomislav Ivisic secured four points along with twelve rebounds, marking his fifth straight game with ten or more rebounds.