EVANSTON, IL (Chambana Today) – No. 19 Illinois dropped its Big Ten opener to Northwestern in a tough overtime loss, 70-66, at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday night. Kasparas Jakucionis led the Illini with a strong performance, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, including 18 points in the second half and overtime. He also contributed seven assists, one block, and one steal.
Tomislav Ivisic also posted a double-double, his third consecutive and fifth of the season, with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high five assists, along with a block. Will Riley added 12 points, with a team-high 11 points coming in the first half, along with three rebounds and two assists.
With the loss, Illinois is now 6-2 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten. The Illini will return to Champaign for their Big Ten home opener against No. 11 Wisconsin at the sold-out State Farm Center on Tuesday, with the game scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m.