Infection even more makes complex hard stretch for Illinois

Feb 19, 2025, 01:11 AM ET

MADISON, Wis.– Illinois wasn’t showing any difficult sensations toward its opponent when it decreased to participate in a postgame handshake.As a number of players

handle an infection, the Battling Illini simply wanted to make certain they didn’t spread out bacteria while congratulating Wisconsin after losing 95-74 to the 11th-ranked Badgers on Tuesday night.”They don’t require this,”Illinois coach Brad Underwood said after the game.” In 38 years (as a head coach and assistant), I’ve never seen anything like what’s gone through our team.”Illinois (17-10, 9-8)remains in excellent position to make a 5th consecutive NCAA tournament bid.”We’re going to endure,”Underwood said.” We’re going to be great.

We’re a truly excellent basketball group. We’ve proved that. “But the Illini are dealing with all sorts of setbacks on and off

the court as they deal with the most demanding part of their schedule.Freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. broke his wrist while obstructing a shot during a 79-65 loss to No. 14 Michigan State on Saturday, but most of the Illini’s lineup problems are due to health problem rather than injury.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Tomislav Ivisic, the Illini’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, came off the bench

for the very first time all season Tuesday

as he tried to play while ill. Underwood stated Ivisic didn’t travel with the group, instead driving to Wisconsin on his own.Ivisic ended up with seven points and 3 rebounds in 21 minutes. He currently handled mononucleosis and an ankle injury earlier this year, seriously restricting his practice

time.Underwood said reserve forward Jake Davis wanted to play however got ill after pregame warmups.”We don’t understand who we have from day to day,” Underwood said.”I didn’t understand who I was starting today.”Illinois’leading scorer Tuesday was Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who was ill earlier this month. After going scoreless and playing a total of 14 minutes in the three games leading up to this one, Gibbs-Lawhorn had 17 points and five helps against Wisconsin.”

Today, we’re going through a stretch that’s tough, “said forward Ben Humrichous, who scored 13 points Tuesday.” However we’re an excellent basketball group, and we understand it. “The stretch isn’t getting any easier. Illinois will take a break from Big 10 competition and

head to New york city to deal with No. 3 Duke at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. “It’s David playing Goliath in the next one, “Underwood said.” We’re going to appear, and we’re going to fight.”