Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Indiana

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 23: Illinois Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood talks with Big Ten referee Paul Szelc during a break int he action in the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 23, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. This loss really got me down

Heading into the game on Thursday night against Indiana, I wanted the Illini to come away with a win. I always want the Orange and Blue to come out victorious. This is nothing new.

Winning against Indiana is something different, though. They are, arguably, the biggest rival we have, in my eyes. Some people will say it is Northwestern because of the in-state thing. Some will say it is Missouri and the Braggin’ Rights game is huge. But, I honestly believe it is the Hoosiers because both programs have such great basketball history and they are connected in different ways throughout time.

So, the game on Thursday night meant something different to me. This should have been one of those games where the records don’t matter. But, the Illini didn’t show up for this game. Physically we were there but mentally and skill wise, we were not.

From the get-go, this was an ugly game. We were at home against the Hoosiers. The crowds were good. We showed up. The team didn’t, though. It was also senior night. I wanted to send Aaron Jordan out with a win. But, the result of the game pretty much sums up the basketball team during his time with the program. A big-time letdown.

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