Illinois Survives Slow Start, Extends Win Streak Behind Wagler and Defensive Spark
CHAMPAIGN - The State Farm Center crowd knew exactly who they came to see Thursday night. When Keaton Wagler’s name echoed through the arena during introductions, the freshman phenom was met with a roar that felt more like March than January. And for a stretch, it looked like he might have to carry the Illini on his own.
For the first six-plus minutes of the game, Wagler was the only Illinois player to find the bottom of the net - a jarring start for a team that boasts the nation’s top offensive rating, according to KenPom. Illinois looked out of sync early, and the energy in the building shifted from electric to uneasy as the offense sputtered against a Washington squad hovering around the middle of the pack.
But Illinois didn’t stay stuck for long. A second-half surge, fueled by timely shooting and a renewed defensive edge, helped the Illini pull away for a 75-66 win - their 10th straight victory and the longest winning streak of the Brad Underwood era.
At 18-3 overall and 9-1 in Big Ten play, Illinois is off to its best start since that legendary 2004-05 campaign, when the team went 37-2 and came within a few possessions of a national championship. This group is starting to carve out its own identity, and while Thursday night wasn’t their cleanest performance, it was the kind of gritty win that contending teams find a way to secure.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was far from pretty. Illinois shot just 4-for-9 from the free-throw line - a surprising dip for a team that entered the night hitting nearly 80% from the stripe this season. And while the defense held Washington to under 40% shooting in the opening 20 minutes, the Illini offense couldn’t get out of its own way, struggling to find rhythm and flow.
But the second half was a different story. Illinois found its offensive footing, thanks in large part to Wagler, who finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists in 38 minutes of action. The freshman’s poise continues to defy his age - he controlled tempo, created for others, and didn’t shy away from the moment when the team needed a bucket.
Still, as the offense picked up steam, the defense started to loosen. Washington shot 50% from the field in the second half, capitalizing on lapses in rotation and slow closeouts.
That’s when Ben Humrichous and Zvonimir Ivisic checked in and changed the tone. With Kylan Boswell unavailable, the defensive load shifted, and both Humrichous and Ivisic stepped up - especially Humrichous, who brought energy and awareness on both ends.
Humrichous Delivers on Both Ends
Humrichous may not have started, but he made every one of his 27 minutes count. His defensive presence was noticeable - contesting shots, switching effectively, and helping anchor the Illini during critical stretches. But it was his shooting that helped break the game open.
He knocked down multiple threes in the second half, including two late daggers that stretched the lead to double digits and effectively sealed the win. Illinois didn’t just need his production - they needed his timing. And he delivered.
Mirkovic Steady, Stojakovic Sparks the Paint
David Mirkovic continued his strong run of form, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, and an assist in 30 minutes. He provided a steady hand when the offense was searching for answers early and helped keep the Illini afloat until the second-half surge arrived.
Andrej Stojakovic, meanwhile, gave Illinois the interior presence they needed when things got tight. His ability to finish in traffic and draw attention inside helped open up the floor and balance the attack. After a cold start from the field (under 35% shooting at one point in the first half), Illinois finished at 42.9% - a testament to their ability to adjust and stay the course.
Dominating the Margins
What truly separated Illinois on Thursday night was their work on the glass and their ability to capitalize on second chances. The Illini grabbed eight offensive rebounds - nearly matching their defensive total - and turned those into 24 second-chance points. Washington managed just four in that category.
And perhaps most impressively, Illinois only committed five turnovers all game. In a matchup that lacked rhythm and flow for long stretches, taking care of the ball proved crucial.
Big Ten Battle Heating Up
With the win, Illinois moves to 9-1 in Big Ten play, sitting in a logjam at the top of the conference standings alongside three other teams. But the road ahead only gets tougher.
Next up? A rematch with No.
5 Nebraska - the same team that handed Illinois its only conference loss this season. That defeat came at home.
Now the Illini head into a high-stakes showdown with a shot at redemption - and a chance to prove just how far they’ve come since that early stumble.
Thursday night wasn’t perfect. But it was a win that showed this team’s resilience, depth, and ability to respond when things aren’t clicking. And for a team with championship aspirations, those are the kinds of nights that matter most.