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Social Media Reacts to Illinois' Dominant Performance vs. Rutgers

The Illini took the Scarlet Knights behind the woodshed Thursday night. Here are the best reactions from Illinois' victory.
Jackson Langendorf|
Jan 8, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) adjusts his protective mask during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Jan 8, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) adjusts his protective mask during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting IlliniRutgers Scarlet Knights

No. 16 Illinois (12-3, 3-1 Big Ten) entered a matchup with Rutgers (8-8, 1-4 Big Ten) riding a three-game winning streak with an average margin of victory of 28.7 points.

Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights have been in the midst of a brutal campaign, even dropping a contest to Central Connecticut. But in its most recent outing, Rutgers eked out an impressive overtime victory against Oregon to nab its first Big Ten win of the campaign. 

Seemingly playing its best ball of the season, Rutgers appeared to at least have a chance at giving Illinois a competitive ball game. And through the first 12 minutes, the Scarlet Knights did. With 8:11 left in the first half, Rutgers’ Darren Buchanan Jr. connected on a triple to cut the deficit and move his club within single digits (23-16). Eight minutes and 11 seconds later, Steve Pikiell’s unit still had 16 points.

Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, the Illini didn't stay stuck on their number. Ending the half on a 20-0 run, Illinois extended its lead to 43-16 and never looked back. Although Rutgers actually won the second half by a point (39-38), the Illini lead was never in jeopardy as they cruised to their third conference victory in front of their State Farm Center home crowd. 

In yet another group effort, Illinois got contributions from everywhere. Shooting specialist Jake Davis did what he does best: knock down triples. Davis finished with 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting from deep.

Big man Tomislav Ivisic finally got back on track, registering 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting, although he managed just four rebounds – something he’ll surely hear about from coach Brad Underwood.

Standout freshman Keaton Wagler continued his impressive stretch, scoring a game-high 17 points while adding seven rebounds and three assists. Wing Andrej Stojakovic was the other double-digit scorer for the Illini, going for 12 points and snagging eight rebounds – his second-best performance on the glass this year. 

With yet another well-rounded, dominant showing, the Illini received their fair share of love – and, in spite of the win, criticism – on social media. Here are the best reactions from Illinois’ triumph over Rutgers:

Social media sounds off on Illinois' dismantling of Rutgers

Brad Underwoo
Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois' defense turns heads

It's a game of runs

Scarlet Knights fans? Not having as much fun

Hot potato

And Brad Underwood thinks his expectations are high

At least someone is enjoying the show

The people have spoken: Bring us Mihailo

Underwood battling 'til the end?

That's one way of putting it

A bit unlike the Illini to do what they should

You tell 'em, Jon

Jaaaaaaake!

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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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