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Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini loss to Ohio State

By Rees Woodcock

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 05: Duane Washington Jr. #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes takes a shot over Da'Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Value City Arena on March 05, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 05: Duane Washington Jr. #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes takes a shot over Da'Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Value City Arena on March 05, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 05: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini directs his team in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Value City Arena on March 05, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

The Illinois basketball team went into the game against Ohio State on Thursday night needing a win to increase their chances of sharing the Big Ten regular-season title.

That wasn’t the only thing on the line for the Illini, though. If Illinois would have won, they would have earned the coveted double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Well, that sadly didn’t happen.

I honestly felt like Illinois had control for most of this game. The Illini were up 11-6 five minutes into the contest. That lead was extended to nine points by the 10-minute mark in the first half. Ohio State would make a charge and tie it back up, but Illinois was able to take the lead back and went into halftime up 37-30.

But things went a little crazy in the second half. Ohio State managed to take the lead less than five minutes in at 40-39. The Illini fought back, though. We took the lead back and extended it to seven points. But Ohio State would come right back with a run of their own.

Down the stretch of this game, the Illini couldn’t hit shots while Ohio State seemed like they made everything. That isn’t a good combination. The Illini got back within five points at one time, but the Buckeyes were just too much. Illinois ended up falling to Ohio State, 71-63.

Here are three observations from the Illini loss to Ohio State.

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