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Best Social Media Reactions to Illinois' Big Ten Tournament Win Over Iowa

The Illini's offensive explosion lifted them to a fourth straight win and a matchup with No. 2 seed Maryland on Friday
Jackson Langendorf|
Mar 13, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) dribbles the ball while Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix (4) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) dribbles the ball while Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix (4) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting IlliniIowa Hawkeyes

After Illinois (21-11) held Iowa (17-16) to a season-low 61 points just a few weeks ago, and with the Hawkeyes stepping up defensively in their recent outings (69.0 points allowed over their past two games), it seemed the teams' second-round Big Ten Tournament matchup would be less of a track meet than originally expected.

But after tip-off, it quickly became clear that this was a defense-optional affair. Even after the Hawkeyes kept pace as the Illini raced out to a 49-45 halftime lead, it was just a prologue to the otherworldly offensive display the clubs combined for in the second half.

Although it was Illinois that broke the tape at the end of the track meet, it wasn’t for a lack of scoring on Iowa's part. The Hawkeyes' 49 second-half points just weren't enough to match the Illini's mind-boggling 57.

Iowa was led by forward Payton Sandfort, who was unconscious from long range, knocking down eight three-pointers en route to a game-high 30 points. Meanwhile, Illinois relied on a well-balanced attack, with all five starters scoring in double digits and Kylan Boswell leading the way with a career-high 24 points.

During and after a high-scoring affair that ultimately broke the record for most combined points in a Big Ten Tournament game, social media was, predictably, buzzing. Here are just a few of the best reactions:

Illinois Adds Its Name to a Short Big Ten Tournament List

The Whole Squad Was Cooking

Never Change, Jon Rothstein

Tomi With the Dimes

Defense Was Illegal on Thursday Night

'Head-to-Head' Results

The Illini Peaking at the Right Time

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois vs. Iowa: 3 Big Questions for Big Ten Tournament Second Round

A Look Back on Illinois Basketball's 2024 Big Ten Tournament Title

A Thought for Coleman Hawkins After His Tearful End-of-Season Interview

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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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