BLOOMINGTON, IN (Chambana Today) – Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis returned to action Tuesday night, leading the No. 19 Illini to a decisive 94-69 victory over Indiana at the Assembly Hall in Bloomington. After missing two games with a left forearm strain, Jakucionis put up 21 points, three rebounds, and five assists, reminding fans just how pivotal he is to the team’s success.
Illinois had already proven they could survive without the freshman, securing a win over Nebraska in his absence, but his return was a welcome boost. Jakucionis scored or assisted on all of Illinois’ first 10 points and finishing the first half with 19 points, helping the Illini build a commanding 60-32 lead at the break.
The game also saw Illinois shake off a disappointing loss to USC just days earlier.
Jakucionis wasn’t the only one contributing. Guard Kylan Boswell stepped up when Jakucionis picked up his fourth foul with 10:52 left in the second half, scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Center Tomislav Ivisic added 17 points and 11 rebounds.