The Illini won back-to-back games for the first time since early January, firming up their NCAA Tournament resume

UCLA’s defense was too pliable in enabling the Illini to shoot 50.9% on the way to ending the Bruins’ seven-game winning streak. A big issue was the UCLA guards’ inability to stay in front of their man, leading to them repeatedly getting beat off the dribble.

Kasparas Jakucionis scored 24 points and Illinois held off UCLA for an 83-78 win over UCLA to end the Bruins’ seven-game win streak. Tyler Blodeau scored 25 points for UCLA.