Between the absence of Morez Johnson Jr. (broken wrist) and illnesses slowing down Tomislav Ivisic and Jake Davis, the Illini did what they could to hold on but failed to stay within striking distance, ultimately falling 95-74.

Illinois basketball is spiraling, and Brad Underwood's frustrations were evident after a historic 110-67 thrashing at the hands of Duke at Madison Square Garden. The Fighting Illini shot just 2-of-26 from 3-point range after missing their first 17 attempts from deep for the game. The 43-point loss is the worst in program history.