Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini loss to Ohio State
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1bbc5583351456ee8840a64bf291cf254b81077bf6a2c91f53e79d9c0f5793ed.jpg)
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.