In a decisive exhibition match on Sunday, Illinois showcased its depth, defeating Illinois State by a score of 92-65. The game, held at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, saw the Illini dominate from start to finish, never trailing at any point.
Despite being without key players—including Tomislav Ivisic, Andrej Stojakovic, Mihailo Petrovic, and Ty Rodgers—the Illini’s roster proved to be more than capable of handling the challenge. Similarly, Illinois State struggled with its own roster limitations, missing four players, including their top talents Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger.
Key Takeaways from the Exhibition
While the outcome of the game does not officially count towards the season record, it provided valuable experience for Illinois’ newer players. The Illini’s performance highlighted the potential of their bench, allowing for important on-court chemistry to develop among players such as Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, and Jake Davis.
The exhibition served as an opportunity for Illinois coach Brad Underwood to assess his team’s strengths and weaknesses. Although the game went smoothly for the Illini, Underwood noted several areas requiring improvement. “We had our moments, but there are definitely things we need to address before our next game,” he stated post-match.
Looking Ahead: Illinois Faces Tougher Competition
Illinois will next prepare for a more formidable opponent in the reigning NCAA champions, Florida, with a matchup scheduled for Saturday in Orlando. This game promises to be a significant test, as the Gators are expected to provide a much tougher challenge than Illinois State.
As the season approaches, the Illini will need to capitalize on these early opportunities to refine their gameplay and build the necessary rapport among players, ensuring they are ready for competitive play in the upcoming season.
