MADISON, Wis. – Illinois wasn’t exhibiting any arduous emotions towards its opponent when it declined to take part in a postgame handshake.
As a number of gamers take care of a virus, the Preventing Illini simply needed to verify they didn’t unfold germs whereas congratulating Wisconsin after dropping 95-74 to the Eleventh-ranked Badgers on Tuesday night time.
“They don’t want this,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood stated after the sport. “In 38 years (as a head coach and assistant), I’ve by no means seen something like what’s gone via our staff.”
Illinois (17-10, 9-8) stays in good place to earn a fifth consecutive NCAA Event bid. The Illini entered Tuesday as a projected No. 6 seed, in accordance with Bracket Matrix.
“We’re going to outlive,” Underwood stated. “We’re going to be nice. We’re a very good basketball staff. We’ve proved that.”
However the Illini are coping with all types of setbacks on and off the courtroom as they face probably the most demanding a part of their schedule.
Freshman ahead Morez Johnson Jr. broke his wrist whereas blocking a shot in a 79-65 loss to No. 14 Michigan State on Saturday, however many of the Illini’s roster points are on account of sickness quite than damage.
Tomislav Ivisic, the Illini’s main rebounder and second-leading scorer, got here off the bench for the primary time all season Tuesday as he tried to play whereas sick. Underwood stated Ivisic didn’t journey with the staff, as an alternative driving to Wisconsin on his personal.
Ivisic completed with seven factors and three rebounds in 21 minutes. He already handled mononucleosis and an ankle damage earlier this yr, severely limiting his apply time.
Underwood stated reserve ahead Jake Davis needed to play however bought sick after pregame warmups.
“We don’t know who we’ve from each day,” Underwood stated. “I didn’t know who I used to be beginning right now.”
Illinois’ main scorer Tuesday was Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who was sick earlier this month. After going scoreless and enjoying a complete of 14 minutes within the three video games main as much as this one, Gibbs-Lawhorn had 17 factors and 5 assists in opposition to Wisconsin.
“Proper now we’re going via a stretch that’s troublesome,” stated ahead Ben Humrichous, who scored 13 factors Tuesday. “However we’re a very good basketball staff, and we all know it.”
The stretch is not getting any simpler. Illinois takes a break from Large Ten competitors and heads to New York to face No. 3 Duke at Madison Sq. Backyard on Saturday.
“It’s David enjoying Goliath within the subsequent one,” Underwood stated. “We’re going to indicate up and we’re going to struggle.”
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