LOS ANGELES, CA (Chambana Today) — In a heart-pounding overtime showdown, UCLA (18-9, 10-6) narrowly defeated #10 Illinois (22-6, 13-4) 95-94, marking the Illini’s fourth loss in Big Ten play by a combined total of just nine points. The game came down to a buzzer-beating shot in OT, leaving Illinois heartbroken once again.
Keaton Wagler led Illinois in scoring with 19 points, adding a game-high eight rebounds, six of which were offensive, and team-best six assists. This marked his 25th double-digit scoring performance of the season. Wagler has scored 10 or more points in 20 straight games, averaging 20.1 points per game during that stretch, including 20.7 ppg in Big Ten action.
The Illini also saw strong performances from Tomislav Ivisic, who contributed 16 points and six rebounds, and Ben Humrichous, who matched his career high with five three-pointers for 15 points. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Despite their efforts, Illinois could not secure the win, as they suffered their fourth buzzer-beater loss of the season, with three of those coming in overtime.