2. Will Riley saw the light at the end of the struggle tunnel
It is pretty amazing that Illinois had a chance at the end of the game to tie Michigan State. With what transpired throughout, the Illini did a great job gritting their way to the end.
One of the bright spots for the Illini was Will Riley. I haven’t been able to type that in months. Riley has been in witness protection since November, and finally, he showed why he was a five-star recruit and the highest-rated player Illinois has landed since Dee Brown.
Riley did a great job combating the refs after they started fouling out Kasparas Jakucionis. He went off in the first half, dropping 16 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one block. He also shot 6-of-12 from the field and made both three-point attempts.
Don’t worry, though, the refs eventually saw he was having a big game and got to Riley too. He was dinged for two fouls in the first half and two in the second half, and that wounded him.
Still, Riley finished the day with 19 points. Illinois needed him greatly, and he came through. That was the first time the freshman had double-digit points since December 29 against Chicago State.
My hope is that this will start Riley on the right path. He was in a bad spot the last month or so, but maybe this will guide him in the right direction. I think there is a chance that Riley is finally seeing the light at the end of the struggle tunnel. Illinois needs him down the stretch.