INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Chambana Today) – In a tough Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal matchup, #11 Maryland proved too much for #24 Illinois, securing an 88-65 victory and advancing to the next round. Despite the defeat, Illinois saw standout individual performances from several players.
Kasparas Jakucionis continued his impressive freshman campaign, notching a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, along with four assists and a steal. This marked his team-leading 24th game in double figures, and his fifth double-double of the season. Jakucionis also passed Deon Thomas to become the second-highest scorer in Illinois freshman history with 465 points, trailing only Cory Bradford.
Kylan Boswell added 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block, extending his streak of scoring in double figures to six games. He has now reached double-digit points 22 times this season. Will Riley scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded one assist. This marked his fifth consecutive game in double figures and his 21st overall.
Morez Johnson Jr. made an impact off the bench, contributing six points, nine rebounds, four blocks, two assists, and a steal. His four blocks were one shy of tying the Illinois Big Ten Tournament record, and it marked his second game with 4+ blocks this season.