Illinois basketball team faced a challenging situation after their game against the 11th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday night. Despite their loss, Illinois declined to participate in a postgame handshake to prevent the potential spread of a virus among players.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood expressed concern for his team's health, stating that in his 38 years of coaching, he had never seen anything like the current situation affecting the team. The team's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, Tomislav Ivisic, played while sick, contributing seven points and three rebounds in the game.
Illinois is currently in a good position to secure a fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid, with a projected No. 6 seed according to Bracket Matrix. Despite facing setbacks, including freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. breaking his wrist in a recent game, the team remains confident in their abilities.
Forward Ben Humrichous emphasized the team's resilience, acknowledging the difficulties they are facing but expressing confidence in their skills. The team's leading scorer in the game against Wisconsin was Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who bounced back from illness to contribute 17 points and five assists.
Looking ahead, Illinois faces a tough matchup against No. 3 Duke in New York on Saturday, presenting another challenge for the team. Coach Underwood remains optimistic, stating that the team will continue to fight despite the tough circumstances.
Illinois basketball team's determination and perseverance in the face of adversity highlight their strength as a competitive unit. As they navigate through a demanding schedule and battle various setbacks, the team's resolve and belief in their abilities continue to drive them forward.
