CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois extended its dominance over Northwestern with a 78-55 victory at State Farm Center, marking the team’s ninth-straight win against their in-state rivals, a streak dating back to February 28.
Illini head coach Brad Underwood continued his success against the Wildcats, improving to 11-5 in his Illinois tenure. The team scored 15 unanswered points as part of a 22-3 first half run to build a commanding 27-8 lead.
A balanced offensive effort saw five Illini players scoring in double figures. Kylan Boswell led the charge with 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Boswell has now scored in double figures in five-straight games and 14 times this season.
Freshman Morez Johnson Jr. added 15 points and nine rebounds in his second consecutive start, while Ben Humrichous contributed 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Kasparas Jakucionis recorded his third double-double of the season with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Off the bench, Jake Davis chipped in with 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers.
The Illini’s rebounding performance was historic, as their 21 offensive boards were the most by a Big Ten team in regulation since 2018 and the most by an Illinois team in a conference game since 2014.
The sellout crowd of 15,544 at State Farm Center, Illinois’ seventh of the season, provided a lively atmosphere as the team secured its 17th win in 20 games.