If Brad Underwood could design the ideal basketball team, it would look a lot like his Illinois squad: fast, physical, and fearless. After a grueling stretch of 11 games in 33 days, the Illini showed no signs of fatigue with a commanding 71-51 victory over Indiana.
Ranked 10th and eyeing the Big Ten title as March approaches, Illinois hit the road for back-to-back games in California. Fresh off a decisive 101-65 win over USC, they’re set to face UCLA next.
The Illini's performance against the Trojans was nothing short of spectacular, with seven players scoring in double figures-a Big Ten road team feat not seen since 2011. Guard Andrej Stojaković led the charge with 22 points, marking his return from an ankle sprain.
In a post-game interview, Underwood expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle travel challenges. “I don't worry about the trips, we’re spoiled, we charter,” he remarked.
“We have great food, we stay in nice places. It's really not that hard.
We just gotta show up and play.”
And show up they have. Apart from a loss to Michigan State, Illinois has been perfect on the road, boasting seven away victories.
Underwood also praised the loyal Illini fans who traveled to support the team. “I've got the best job in the country, and a large piece of that is because of our fans,” he said.
“You make it fun, and you make it the best job in college basketball.”
With more road games on the horizon and March Madness looming, Illinois’s business-like approach to travel could be their ticket to success. If they maintain this momentum, their destination might not matter as much as their journey.