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Bret Bielema Shouts Out Bill Raftery's Call on Kasparas Jakucionis' Clutch Shot

The Illini football head coach appreciated Raftery's memorable line on Jakucionis' go-ahead triple against Purdue
Jackson Langendorf|
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema celebrates with a supporter as he heads to the locker room after a game against Wisconsin on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Illinois won the game, 34-10, in Bielema s return to Madison after coaching the Badgers from 2006-2012.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Usat Wisconsin Vs Illinois Football 100122 2932 Ttm
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema celebrates with a supporter as he heads to the locker room after a game against Wisconsin on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Illinois won the game, 34-10, in Bielema s return to Madison after coaching the Badgers from 2006-2012.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Usat Wisconsin Vs Illinois Football 100122 2932 Ttm | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK

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After trailing the majority of the second half in Friday's matchup, Illinois (20-11, 12-8 Big Ten) clawed back against Purdue (21-10, 13-7 Big Ten) at Champaign's State Farm Center to knot up the score at 79-79 with just over a minute remaining.

Out of a timeout, the Boilermakers drew up another action for Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, getting their big man to his strength – going downhill with his right hand.

But, for the first time all night, the Illini stunted from the corner, sending Will Riley on a perfectly timed steal.

Then, slowing things down on the other end, the Illini put the ball in the hands of lead guard Kasparas Jakucionis – and everyone else got out of the way.

With Purdue forced to match up in transition, Jakucionis had the 6-foot-10 Caleb Furst in front of him, and after sizing Furst up with a few hesitations, Jakucionis stepped back for a go-ahead three – and found nylon. 

With FOX's Bill Raftery on the call, Jakucionis’ three-pointer not only drew an iconic “Onions!” from the legendary college hoops commentator but also a new, more personalized tagline for Jakucionis:

“From Lithuania with love.”

After delivering yet another memorable line, Raftery drew social media love from Illinois' football head coach Bret Bielema, who took to X to share not only his enjoyment over the Illini win, the State Farm Center atmosphere and, of course, the iconic commentary.

With their third straight win, the Illini closed out the regular season on a high note, and now turn to the Big Ten Tournament as they seek to match the postseason success of their football counterparts, who took down South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl just over two months ago to wrap up their season on a high.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Purdue Coach Matt Painter Sets the Bar for Illinois in March

Purdue Star Alleges Racist Comments From Illinois' 'Orange Krush' Fans

CBS' Jon Rothstein Reports Update on Availability of Morez Johnson Jr.

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Jackson Langendorf
JACKSON LANGENDORF

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

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