Illini now

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Narrow Defeat to Alabama

The Illini battled to the end, but it wasn't enough against an experienced Crimson Tide – which was fodder enough for social media
Pranav Hegde|
Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) drives to the basket against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Amari Allen (5) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Nov 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) drives to the basket against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Amari Allen (5) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting IlliniAlabama Crimson Tide

In a matchup billed as a full-court track meet between two of the nation’s most explosive offenses, Illinois and Alabama instead opened with a grind-it-out, possession-by-possession battle at the United Center. Neither team could find a rhythm early, and the normally free-flowing offenses looked stuck in the mud for much of the first 20 minutes.

But as the game wore on, the pace and scoring picked up, and it ultimately turned into the thriller everyone anticipated – just with a different path to get there. Unfortunately for the Illini, they wound up on the wrong end of a 90-86 heartbreaker against a very talented Crimson Tide squad.

The night actually started extremely encouragingly for Illinois. The Illini controlled the tempo early, slowing down Alabama’s transition attack and forcing Nate Oats’ high-octane offense to grind out half-court possessions. On the other end, Illinois executed crisply. David Mirkovic was tremendous in the first half, showcasing why there has been so much internal buzz about his upside. The freshman attacked the glass, finished through contact and brought a physical interior presence that gave Alabama issues. Andrej Stojakovic added a pair of highlight plays of his own – slithery drives, spot-up threes and a thunderous slam that energized the Chicago crowd.

But after halftime, things shifted. The Illini offense came out cold, while Alabama found its rhythm. Missed jumpers and empty possessions started to stack up, allowing the Tide to build a semi-comfortable cushion. For Illinois’ young contributors, the moment and environment showed. Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler – both playing their first true game away from State Farm Center – struggled to find the same comfort they had at home. Meanwhile, Alabama capitalized on nearly every Illini mistake.

Still, Illinois didn’t fold. Stojakovic was relentless attacking downhill, and Kylan Boswell steadied the offense when it desperately needed poise. The Illini repeatedly clawed the deficit back to a single possession, giving themselves chances to tie or take the lead in the closing minutes.

But the final stretch came down to the margins – and that’s where Illinois faltered. Missed free throws, missed box outs and missed open looks proved costly. Against a team as polished as Alabama, those little things became big things. And to his credit, future NBA guard Labaron Philon was exceptional late, controlling the game with timely buckets, smart reads and veteran composure.

It’s a disappointing loss, no doubt. But Illinois competed for 40 minutes against one of the best programs in the country, showed real toughness and got valuable experience for its young core. Nights like this sting, but they can also become building blocks.

And as always, social media had plenty to say about it all. Here are some of the best reactions from the college basketball world:

A very Illini crowd

Just like pops

Mirk showing out again

Coleman Hawkins not happy with the officiating

Hello, Milahilo Petrovic

Some brutal shooting to start the second half

A lane violation?!?!?!?!?

A lot of missed opportunities from the foul line

Philon works the late shift

Not right now, Jon

Can't win them all

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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