CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Will Riley ignited a second-half surge, scoring 20 of his 24 points to help No. 18 Illinois rally from an 11-point deficit and secure an 87-79 win over Ohio State on Sunday.
The Illini had a nearly seven-minute field goal drought in the first half that left them trailing 34-25. Ohio State’s Devin Royal dominated early, putting up 19 of his 29 points before halftime. Despite the Buckeyes’ three-game winning streak, Illinois found a way back into the game with a decisive 15-point run in the final stretch.
Morez Johnson Jr. contributed 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Kylan Boswell added 14 points. Tomislav Ivisic, returning after a three-game absence due to mononucleosis, played 29 minutes, posting 12 points and 10 rebounds. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn chipped in 10 points as Illinois’ bench outperformed Ohio State’s reserves 43-4.
Despite shooting just 4 of 20 from beyond the arc, Illinois dominated inside, outscoring the Buckeyes 52-30 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 43-31.
Illinois will face Rutgers on Wednesday night.