CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois snapped UCLA’s seven-game winning streak with a 80-60 victory at the State Farm Center on Tuesday night. The win handed the Bruins their first loss since January 13.
The Illini dominated the glass, outrebounding UCLA 36-23, a performance that extended their streak of winning the rebounding battle to 21 games this season. The team’s aggressive play on both ends of the floor was further reflected in their 90% free throw shooting (18-for-20), their third game this season hitting that mark.
Illinois, now 16-1 when scoring at least 80 points, got a career-high tying 24 points from freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, who also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists. Jakucionis, who has now scored 20 or more points in 10 games this season, extended his record for the most such games by an Illinois freshman.
Tomislav Ivisic added 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, continuing his recent hot shooting, while Will Riley came off the bench to score 10 points, marking his fifth consecutive game in double figures. Kylan Boswell added 11 points, with all of them coming in the second half to help seal the win.
Illinois’ fan base filled the State Far Center with an attendance of 15,544, marking the ninth sellout of the season and extending their streak to four consecutive home sellouts.
