Illinois Basketball Report Card: Grades at Indiana (Game 17)

Tomislav Ivisic didn't back down from the challenge of a recent slump – or the chippy Hoosiers
Jan 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Myles Rice (1) and Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) fight during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Jan 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Myles Rice (1) and Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) fight during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The beats went on for No. 19 Illinois against Indiana on Tuesday in Bloomington – a 94-69 hammering, to be specific – as guard Kasparas Jakucionis returned to the lineup and, along with him, the Illini's briefly lost mojo. No one could be certain what team would show up to take on the Hoosiers before the opening tip, and by halftime it was clear that it was the Big Ten favorites.

The leap from excellence to sustained greatness is a chasm that would make Evel Knievel balk, but the Illini (13-4, 5-2 Big Ten) seem to have the springs to make it happen. Let's take a quick look at the individual performances that lifted Illinois – for one game, at least – head and shoulders over its border rival.

Tomislav Ivisic: A

After the USC loss, coach Brad Underwood admitted Ivisic need to not only play more minutes but be more involved. Check and check. Against Indiana, Ivisic was an all-around force (17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists), posting a plus-27 plus-minus in his 25 minutes and setting a tone that all future Illini opponents would do well to heed.

Kasparas Jakucionis: A-

Returning from a two-game injury absence, Jakucionis didn't skip a single beat. He had 19 points (including three three-pointers), four assists and three rebounds in the first half, leading Illinois to a 60-32 halftime lead. What came after (foul trouble and minimal production) hardly mattered. The damage – at his hands – had already been done.

Kylan Boswell: A-

It's hard to overstate Boswell's value to the Illini. He can switch effortlessly between the 1 and 2, whether from game to game or moment to moment, providing playmaking, shooting and penetration on one end while terrorizing opposing ball-handlers on the other. His game-high 22 points, seven rebounds and lockdown D against Indiana were the proof.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn: B+

Gibbs-Lawhorn has carved out a wonderful niche for himself, attacking the rim in transition, sinking big shots in the halfcourt and providing atomic energy off the bench. He had 12 points (two threes) and a couple rebounds against the Hoosiers, posting a plus-17 plus-minus in 16 minutes of floor time.

Morez Johnson Jr.: B+

Johnson had only five points against Indiana, but he hit all of his free throws (3-for-3) and plucked 10 rebounds – four of them from the offensive glass – in 18 minutes. As usual, he did exactly what the Illini need him to do (which is plenty) and took almost nothing else off the table. It's uncanny, really.

Ben Humrichous: B

Humrichous came down off his two-game scoring cloud, but his seven points (3-for-6 field-goal shooting), five rebounds and defense-stretching presence were just fine on an evening when several teammates were cooking. They can't all be 20-point bangers.

Will Riley: B

Against Indiana, Riley went without a three for the third time in four games – and still acquitted himself nicely. His plus-24 plus-minus in 10 minutes was a bit of a mirage, but he played within himself on both ends (five points, two rebounds and two assists) and appears to be adjusting with each game.

Tre White: C+

White focused on creating in the paint against the Hoosiers, which didn't go so well (2-for-9 shooting). in this instance. No worries. It's rare when White doesn't make something happen offensively, and he was again a reliable contributor on the boards (six rebounds).

Jake Davis: C

There isn't a lot of in between with Davis, a shooting specialist who can be targeted on defense. He missed all four of his shots from the floor against IU, but he did add a couple rebounds (one offensive) and an assist.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

3 Takeaways From Illinois' Basketball's Win Over Indiana

3 Key Numbers from Illinois Basketball's Win Over Indiana

Illinois Basketball's Flawless First Half Leaves Indiana at All-Time Low


Published
Jason Langendorf
JASON LANGENDORF

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.