Illinois Basketball Draws Big Social Media Reaction After Win Over Purdue

Despite trailing No. 18 Purdue by 10 with just over 11 minutes to play in Champaign on Friday night, Illinois went on a 10-0 run to complete turn around the direction the regular-season finale had been headed.

Purdue would again stretch the lead to five with under three minutes to play, but a 16-3 run by the Illini closed out a big 88-80 win and brought their regular season to a 20-11 overall and 12-8 Big Ten conclusion.

Depending on what happens this weekend in Big Ten play, Illinois could finish the regular season in a tie for sixth place. It will certainly be headed to the NCAA Tournament in a week but in the interim will enter the Big Ten Tournament playing some of its best basketball of the year.

Social media was a happy place to be Friday night if you were an Illinois basketball fan. Below are some of the best posts during and right after the game.

Despise Losing? So Go Win ...

Despise losing! pic.twitter.com/JnwIGnfQrY
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 8, 2025

Final Seconds of Illinois' Big Friday Night Win

Illinois takes down No. 18 Purdue 💥#B1GMBBall x @IlliniMBB pic.twitter.com/FQcnfxuFUy
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 8, 2025

Illinois AD Josh Whitman Enjoys the Victory

Our #EveryDayGuys!! 🔶🔷🏀😤 #ILL pic.twitter.com/6JbAqeRz8w
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) March 8, 2025

House of 'Paign

Illinois Basketball.

Here Comes The Paign.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 8, 2025

Illinois: Final Four Sleeper?

Illinois lost three straight games in February by a combined 78 points. Since then, they've beaten Iowa by 20, won at No. 15 Michigan by 20 and now knocked off No. 18 Purdue to end the regular season. They've officially regained "trendy Final Four sleeper" status.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 8, 2025

Roller Coaster Season for Illinois Basketball

What an absolute roller coaster ride of a season for Illinois, but on a night like this, it makes you believe why this can be a second weekend NCAA Tournament team if they can find any rhythm from 3. They possess the shooting weapons. Illini closed on a 13-1 run to beat Purdue.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) March 8, 2025

Illinois and Purdue – the Class of the Big Ten

81 Big Ten wins in the last 6 seasons for Brad Underwood

81 Big Ten wins in the last 6 seasons for Matt Painter

The next closest coach has 72 wins

Illinois and Purdue have been the class of the league in the 20’s
— The BoardRoom (@ILLBoardRoom) March 8, 2025

Six-Straight 20-Plus Win Seasons for Illinois Basketball

Teams with 6 straight 20+ win seasons:

Illinois
Houston
Gonzaga
San Diego State
— The Field Pass (@TheFieldPass) March 8, 2025

Illinois Basketball Getting Off the Deck

Purdue usually figures things out against Illinois and led by 5 late, but the Boilermakers couldn't close the deal.

Illinois has really gotten off the deck since its mid-February woes. Huge momentum boost heading into tournament time.
— Matt Zemek (@MattZemek) March 8, 2025

This ... Is March Bradness!

THAT’S FOR THE SENIORS 🔶🔷

WELCOME TO MARCH BRADNESS

ILLINOIS BEATS PURDUE 88-80 pic.twitter.com/41L9cW8uWU
— Barstool Illini (@BarstoolILL) March 8, 2025

Illinois Basketball: Ready for March

16-3 run to finish the game for the Illini.

Are we ready for March?

I think we’re ready for March. 😎🔶🔷
— Dave Wischnowsky (@wischlist) March 8, 2025