Fighting Illini Fall To No. 8 Alabama
Published on November 21 2024 6:24 am
Last Updated on November 21 2024 6:25 am
BY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – No. 25 Illinois' second-half surge was not enough as the Fighting Illini fell to No. 8 Alabama, 100-87, in the C.M. Newton Classic at Legacy Arena on Wednesday night.
After trailing by as many as 18, the Illini (3-1) cut their deficit to eight points with 3:32 remaining, but the comeback ultimately fell short in the Orange and Blue's first loss of the season.
Five Illinois scorers registered double-digit points, including a team-high 18-point effort from Will Riley, a season-best 17-point showing from Kylan Boswell, and a career-most 15 points from Kasparas Jakucionis.
Riley recorded 15 of his 18 points in the second half, shooting 5-for-7 from the field across the final 20 minutes of play. Riley corralled nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, and dished out four assists in addition to his one steal.
Boswell scored in double figures for the first time since joining the Orange and Blue while grabbing seven rebounds and making three assists and a steal.
Kasparas Jakucionis reached double-digit points (15) for the third time this season after amassing 13 points in the first half. Jakucionis also notched a team-high six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
Tomislav Ivisic secured his second double-double of the season while tallying double-digit points for the fourth consecutive game. Ivisic finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and he added one assist, one block, and one steal.
Ben Humrichous knocked down multiple 3-pointers for the fourth game in a row, ending his night with 11 points while converting three treys. He also notched one offensive board, one steal, and one block.
Tre White added six points and five rebounds, while Morez Johnson Jr. led the Illini with two blocks.
No. 25 Illinois continues a stretch of four games in nine days, returning to State Farm Center for a matchup against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff on B1G+ is set for 3 p.m. CT, while tickets are still available at FightingIllini.com.
