Social Media Erupts as Duke Crushes Illinois in Madison Square Garden Blowout

Saturday's game against Duke was, on paper, a great idea for Illinois.

It was a rare opportunity to play in Madison Square Garden against the biggest brand in college basketball. Who could pass that up?

Technically, the Illinois basketball team was in attendance for the big event, but figuratively it was not as Duke blew the doors off the Illini, 110-67.

The only thing up for debate following the debacle was which was worse in the loss: Illinois' defense or outside shooting?

As is the case whenever a big game takes place, social media was a firestorm during and after the contest. Below are some of the best Illinois-Duke tweets from the college basketball world on Saturday night.

Wrong kind of record for Illinois vs. Duke

Duke's 110-67 win over Illinois is the largest margin of defeat for the Illini in program history.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) February 23, 2025

Words can't accurately describe what Duke did to Illinois

Final: Duke 110, Illinois 67

I’m not sure there’s anything worse than a Mollywhopping, but if there is, then that’s what the Blue Devils just did to the Illini.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 23, 2025

Former Illini Sean Harrington questions showing

Where are the adjustments for Illini? Need some counters to ball screen action. Illini didn’t handle it when Duke blitzed it. Too passive on D, drop coverage is getting exposed. Sunday and Monday better be Pizza Hut parking lot practices. Get the toughness back.
— Sean Harrington (@smharrington24) February 23, 2025

Tuesday vs. Iowa now a must-win for Illinois?

Thank God that's over. 110-67 Duke. Largest margin of defeat in program history.

Illini have been outscored by 82 points over the last 5 halves. Tuesday vs. Iowa is a must-win.
— Derek Piper (@DPiper247) February 23, 2025

Brad Underwood getting called out

I want all the Brad Underwood apologists to explain tonight. It’s one thing to lose. It’s another to not be competitive for several games this season. #Illini
— Aarman Sethi (@asethi03) February 23, 2025

Getting hard to watch for Illinois fans

A shell of their former self. This is a hard watch now. #illini
— Matt McCumber (@ILL_Texan) February 23, 2025

Illinois' shooting efforts truly woeful vs. Duke

Illinois Basketball vs Duke tonight pic.twitter.com/aAE1IgcK35
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) February 23, 2025

Friends, that is what 2-for-26 beyond the arc looks like.

Everyone on Duke dominated against Illinois

Duke backups are dominating the #illini defense.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) February 23, 2025

Duke looked the part of a potential national champion

largest #DukeDUB ever at MSG 👀💡💪💪 pic.twitter.com/Mt3MQJGgqi
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) February 23, 2025

Lost cause for Illinois basketball this season?

Even Duke's scrubs are humiliating my #Illini. Just pathetic. This season is lost.
— #1 Chairshot Villain (@WrestlngRealist) February 23, 2025

Duke's home away from home

A chant of "Our house!" from the Duke fans here at the Garden. Considering the Blue Devils lead by 42 ... sure. #Illini
— Scott Richey (@srrichey) February 23, 2025