The No. 9 Illinois men's basketball team continued their impressive winning streak, grabbing their 10th consecutive victory with a 75-66 win over Washington. Keaton Wagler led the charge with 22 points and eight assists, highlighting his stellar performance on the court. David Mirkovic and Ben Humrichous also delivered strong showings, contributing 19 and 14 points, respectively, to secure the win for the Illini.
This latest triumph marked the longest winning streak under head coach Brad Underwood's tenure, showcasing Illinois' dominant form this season. Wagler's consistent scoring prowess has been a key factor in the team's success, as he has notched double figures in 13 consecutive games and 18 games overall this season.
In contrast, Washington faced a tough challenge as freshman Hannes Steinbach's 15 points and 12 rebounds weren't enough to fend off the resilient Illini. Despite Wesley Yates III and Zoom Diallo's solid efforts for the Huskies, who opened the game with a 7-0 lead, the Illini quickly took control with a decisive 10-0 run to secure the victory.
At halftime, Illinois held a 33-26 lead, showcasing their defensive prowess and ability to maintain control throughout the game. The team's sharpshooting from beyond the arc was also on display, as they connected on 11 of 33 three-point attempts. Humrichous stood out with a 4-for-6 performance from long range, contributing to Illinois' seventh consecutive game with at least 10 made three-pointers.
Furthermore, Illinois showcased their proficiency at the free-throw line, entering the game ranked second nationally in free-throw percentage. Despite a slightly lower shooting percentage than usual, the Illini managed to convert crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the victory over Washington.
Looking ahead, Washington will face Northwestern next, while Illinois is set to take on No. 5 Nebraska in what promises to be an exciting matchup. With their impressive winning streak and solid performances, the Illini are poised to continue their success as they navigate a challenging Big Ten schedule.
For more in-depth coverage and analysis of Illinois basketball player performances in the recent matchup against Washington, Illini Inquirer provides detailed grades for each player. Stay updated on the latest news and developments in college basketball by subscribing to access exclusive content from the 247Sports Network.
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