In a thrilling Big Ten showdown, the UCLA Bruins (18-7, 9-5 Big Ten) fell short against the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-8, 9-6 Big Ten). In front of a deafening sellout crowd at Illinois’ State Farm Center, the Fighting Illini’s physicality and dominance on the glass overwhelmed UCLA, continuing the Bruins’s struggles in the Midwest this season.
UCLA entered the game with momentum but quickly found itself in trouble. Illinois, the Big Ten’s best rebounding team, crashed the glass early, forcing the Bruins into tough shots. UCLA managed just thirteen points in the first fifteen minutes, shooting a brutal 32% from the field in the first half. The Illini capitalized on the Bruins’ struggles, led by their trio of NBA freshmen prospects (Kasparas Jakučionis, Will Riley, and Tomislav Ivišić), scoring easy baskets from second-chance opportunities. However, Illinois committed nine first-half turnovers, leading UCLA to be within striking distance, trailing just 31-25 at halftime despite offensive struggles.
Tyler Bilodeau carried the Bruins in the second half, hitting four of his seven three-pointers and finishing with a game-high 25 points. Every time UCLA tried to close the gap, Illinois responded. Jakučionis, a projected top-five pick in the 2025 NBA draft, controlled the tempo, finishing with 24 points while the 7-foot Ivišić stretched the floor with four made threes and buckets down low, adding 16 points. Riley chipped in 10 points off the bench, providing key scoring when Illinois needed it most. The Bruins had no answer for Illinois’ rebounding dominance, as the Illini won the battle 39-22, including 10 offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance opportunities.
Despite trailing by sixteen late in the second half, UCLA refused to go down quietly. A furious 13-0 run in the final five minutes, fueled by Bilodeau, Kobe Johnson (14 points), and Sebastian Mack (11 points off the bench). Skyy Clark—who faced relentless boos from his former home crowd—brought the score to 78-76 with a three point jumper with less than 30 seconds remaining. The Illini broke UCLA’s full-court press for a momentum-sealing dunk in the final minute.
Illinois shot an efficient 51% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line, executing in key moments to hold off UCLA’s late push. They look to face Michigan State at home on Saturday, February 15th. While the Bruins shot well from three (52.2%), their lack of size and energy on the glass proved costly. The loss was UCLA’s first in over a month. The Bruins will look to bounce back this Friday, February 14th, at Indiana, hoping to regain momentum in the tightly contested Big Ten race.
UCLA guard Kobe Johnson controls the ball on UCLA’s side of the court during a repossession, with Tyler Bilodeau and Skyy Clark alongside him in transition. Johnson filled the stat sheet in the game recording 14 points. Photo courtesy of Jan Kim Lim/UCLA Athletics
UCLA guard #55 Skyy Clark goes up for a basket just inches from the net during the Bruins’ matchup against Illinois. Photo courtesy of Jan Kim Lim/UCLA Athletics
UCLA forward #34 Tyler Bilodeau takes a jump shot from within the key while facing off against an Illinois defender. He contributed 25 points, three rebounds, and one assist in the matchup. Photo courtesy of Jan Kim Lim/UCLA Athletics
UCLA guard Skyy Clark handles the ball while facing off against an Illinois defender. Photo courtesy of Jan Kim Lim/UCLA Athletics
