Illinois didn’t just survive its first game without Kylan Boswell - it thrived. With their starting guard sidelined for the next month due to a hand fracture, the Illini rolled into Wednesday night’s matchup against Maryland and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to an 89-70 win.
It was a statement game - not just about the team’s depth, but about its ability to adapt, compete, and win even without one of its most important players. Here are five key takeaways from a night where Illinois showed it’s built for more than just one-man heroics.
1. Illinois’ offense didn’t just hold up - it exploded
Losing your second-leading scorer would usually spell at least a temporary dip in offensive rhythm. But Illinois didn’t blink. In fact, the Illini offense looked as fluid and confident as it has all season.
They poured in 89 points, spread the floor, and knocked down shots from all over - hitting 15 threes on 40 attempts, good for 38%. That’s a high-volume, high-efficiency night from deep, and they did it with Keaton Wagler having an off shooting game. That’s the kind of firepower that keeps opposing coaches up at night.
A big part of that offensive success came from effort plays. Illinois grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, creating a steady stream of second-chance opportunities. That kind of hustle on the glass is a coach’s dream and a nightmare for any defense trying to get off the floor.
Even without Boswell, Illinois showed it can generate offense in waves - and from multiple sources.
2. Mihailo Petrovic’s role remains uncertain
If there was ever a time for backup guard Mihailo Petrovic to step into a bigger role, this was it. But instead of seizing the opportunity, he barely saw the floor - logging just four minutes, well below his season average.
It’s a telling sign. Whether it’s defensive lapses, struggles to finish, or simply not fitting into the current rotation, Petrovic hasn’t earned the trust of Brad Underwood and the coaching staff. And in a game where guard depth was at a premium, that trust gap was on full display.
It’s a surprising turn for a player who entered the season with some buzz. But right now, Illinois is moving forward without him as a significant piece of the puzzle.
3. Andrej Stojakovic showed why he’s the real deal
With Boswell out, someone had to step up. Andrej Stojakovic didn’t just answer the call - he took over the game.
From the opening tip, Stojakovic looked like the best player on the floor. He was aggressive, confident, and efficient, finishing with a game-high 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting. He knocked down threes, attacked off the dribble, and showed off a versatile scoring package that’s tough to guard.
But it wasn’t just the scoring. Stojakovic tied for the team lead in rebounds with nine and played strong positional defense. His length and activity on both ends gave Illinois a lift.
This was the breakout performance Illini fans had been waiting for. If he can bottle this up and bring it consistently, he’s not just a key contributor - he’s an All-Big Ten caliber player who can elevate Illinois to a top-tier tournament seed.
4. Even on an off night, Keaton Wagler’s impact is undeniable
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a vintage Keaton Wagler shooting performance. He went just 4-of-12 from the field and 1-of-9 from three. But here’s the thing - he still nearly messed around and got a triple-double.
Wagler finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, and a team-high eight assists. He didn’t force the issue offensively.
Instead, he adjusted, becoming more of a facilitator and letting the game come to him. That kind of maturity and versatility is what separates good players from great ones.
While Maryland struggled to move the ball (just 11 team assists), Wagler alone dished out eight. Even when his shot isn’t falling, he finds ways to impact the game - and that’s why NBA scouts are watching him closely.
This might go down as one of his “worst” games statistically, but it still showed why he’s one of the most complete players in the country.
5. Jake Davis is capitalizing on his moment
Every team needs a glue guy - someone who stays ready, plays within himself, and steps up when opportunity knocks. On Wednesday, that was Jake Davis.
The sophomore transfer from Mercer has paid his dues. After a quiet first year in Champaign, Davis earned a starting nod against Maryland and made the most of it.
He played 24 minutes - tied for his second-most in an Illinois uniform - and delivered a clean, efficient performance: 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, all from three-point range, plus four rebounds and two assists. No turnovers.
No fouls. Just smart, steady basketball.
Davis didn’t try to do too much. He spaced the floor, knocked down open looks, and played within the system. And in doing so, he likely cemented his role in the rotation moving forward.
Final Word
This win wasn’t just about beating Maryland - it was about showing resilience, depth, and adaptability. Illinois didn’t just survive without Kylan Boswell. It evolved.
Stojakovic’s star turn, Wagler’s all-around brilliance, Davis’ rise, and a team-wide offensive explosion all point to a group that’s more than just the sum of its parts. If they can keep this up, they’re not just built to weather the storm - they’re built to make a deep run come March.