Illinois Basketball Play of the Week: Tomislav Ivisic Gets Crafty

The Illini sophomore center showcased his multi-dimensional ability against Northwestern on Friday

Illinois sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic signals to a teammate after delivering an assist in a game earlier this season. | University of Illinois

We know Tomislav Ivisic can finish with either hand. 

We know he can stroke it from deep. 

We know he can defend. 

And we know he can pass. 

But did we know he can pass like this?

Late in the first half of Illinois' matchup with Northwestern in Evanston on Friday, with the score knotted at 20, Ivisic transformed into a magician.

After setting a ball screen at the top of the key for lead guard Kasparas Jakucionis, and with Wildcats center Matthew Nicholson hedging the screen, Ivisic rolled short and Jakucionis curled a bounce pass to him in the middle of the lane.

The action drew the attention of NU's Brooks Barnhizer and Jalen Leach, who rotated off Illini forwards Ben Humrichous and Will Riley, respectively, to meet Ivisic, who turned his back away from the rim – but not his eyes.

With Riley left alone in the dunker spot, Ivisic slipped a behind-the-back dime between Barnhizer and Leach that caught his freshman teammate in stride. Riley then stepped into an easy right-handed reverse layup for his easiest two points of the night.

Tomi gettin' fancy with it 👀

1H 3:29 | #Illini 22, Northwestern 20
📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/cBrcUW844u

— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) December 7, 2024

Ivisic and Riley combined for 19 of Illinois’ 27 points (plus four assists) in the first half to help the Illini carry a 27-24 lead into the break. But the Cats (7-3, 1-1 Big Ten) chipped away at the lead in the second half, forced overtime and took a 70-66 win at Welsh-Ryan Arena for their first conference win of the season.

The Illini (6-2, 0-1 Big Ten) get their next chance to do the same on Tuesday, when they return home to host Wisconsin at the State Farm Center in Champaign (8 p.m. CT, on Peacock).

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Basketball Makes Impression in NCAA's Initial NET Rankings

Illinois Basketball's Next Shot to Upset an NCAA No. 1 – Tennessee – Is Coming Soon

Illini Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley Climb in Jonathan Wasserman's Mock Draft