In a historic upset on January 2, 2025, the No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini dominated the No. 9 Oregon Ducks with a 109-77 victory in Eugene, Oregon. This 32-point margin marks the largest ever by a road team against a top-10 opponent in college basketball history.
Key Performances:
• Tre White: Led Illinois with a double-double, scoring 20 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and contributing 4 assists and 2 blocks.
• Ben Humrichous: Added 18 points, shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc, with 14 of his points coming in the second half.
• Kasparas Jakucionis and Kylan Boswell: Contributed 17 and 16 points, respectively, showcasing Illinois’ offensive depth.
• Jake Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn: Provided significant support off the bench, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Team Statistics:
• Shooting Efficiency: Illinois shot an impressive 57.5% from the field, including 16 successful three-pointers.
• Rebounding: The Illini outrebounded the Ducks 43-31, demonstrating physical dominance.
• Ball Movement: The team exhibited excellent passing, with notable plays such as Jakucionis’ between-the-legs assist to Humrichous for a three-pointer.
Oregon’s Response:
• Supreme Cook: Led the Ducks with 20 points off the bench, providing a spark despite the team’s struggles.
• Overall Performance: Oregon shot 41.8% from the field but was unable to keep pace with Illinois’ high-powered offense.
Game Flow:
After a competitive first half, Illinois led 47-39 at halftime. The Illini then exploded in the second half, outscoring Oregon 62-38, fueled by a 19-2 run that effectively sealed the game.
Historical Context:
This victory not only sets a record for the largest road win against a top-10 team but also signifies Illinois’ rising prominence in college basketball, potentially impacting their seeding in the upcoming NCAA tournament.