Illinois men's basketball, under the guidance of Coach Brad Underwood, is a force to be reckoned with this season. His squad is fast, physical, and fearless, embodying the traits any coach would envy.
After a grueling stretch of 11 games in 33 days, Illinois showed no signs of fatigue in their recent 71-51 victory over Indiana. With March Madness looming, the 10th-ranked Illini are still in the hunt for the Big Ten title as they embark on a challenging road trip to California.
Their first stop was a dominant 101-65 win against the USC Trojans, with the team putting on an offensive showcase. Seven players hit double figures, a feat not seen by a Big Ten road team since 2011. Andrej Stojaković led the charge with 22 points, marking his return from an ankle sprain.
Coach Underwood, speaking to the Big Ten Network, emphasized his team's resilience and adaptability on the road. "We’re spoiled, we charter," he said, highlighting the team's comfort with travel. "We just gotta show up and play."
And play they have. Illinois has been nearly unstoppable on the road, with their only away loss coming against Michigan State. Their ability to perform in unfamiliar arenas is a testament to their focus and preparation.
Underwood also expressed gratitude to the Illinois fans who support the team, whether traveling or watching from afar. "I've got the best job in the country, and a large piece of that is because of our fans," he remarked.
As Illinois continues its journey with more road games ahead, the team's business-like approach to travel is paying off. With March Madness approaching, maintaining this momentum will be crucial. If they do, it might not matter where they play-they’ll be ready to compete.
Stay tuned for more college basketball updates as the season heats up!