Patrick Bittle Video Coordinator | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Patrick Bittle Video Coordinator | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
No. 18 Illinois mounted a strong comeback to defeat Ohio State, 87-79, at the State Farm Center on Sunday afternoon. The game witnessed Illinois overturning an 11-point deficit five minutes into the second half with a decisive 15-0 run that helped them outscore Ohio State 46-27 in the final stretch.
Will Riley and Kylan Boswell were instrumental during this period, contributing 13 points combined as they held Ohio State scoreless for over five minutes following the under-8 media timeout. Riley led Illinois with 24 points, shooting efficiently from both the floor and free-throw line while also grabbing three rebounds.
Morez Johnson Jr. recorded his third career double-double, scoring 14 points and securing a game-high of 15 rebounds. His performance matched Kofi Cockburn's record for sixth-most rebounds by a freshman in Illinois history.
Tomislav Ivisic returned after missing three games due to illness, contributing significantly with 12 points and ten rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, making his first collegiate start, added ten points including a pivotal steal leading to a dunk.
Kylan Boswell provided substantial support off the bench with 14 points while Kasparas Jakucionis delivered seven assists alongside eight points.
Ohio State started strongly but was unable to maintain their lead as Illinois responded effectively throughout both halves. The Illini ultimately secured victory by outscoring Ohio State significantly in the second half.
Illinois will next face Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J., on Wednesday night at Jersey Mike's Arena.
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