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NCAA Basketball: Duke, Purdue, Wisconsin rise in latest top 25 power rankings

Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) shoots the ball over Alabama Crimson Tide forward Mouhamed Dioubate (10) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) shoots the ball over Alabama Crimson Tide forward Mouhamed Dioubate (10) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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13. Illinois (13-4)

At their best, Illinois can hang with anyone in the country and have shown that with several nice wins in recent weeks. We haven’t always seen the Fighting Illini at their best and a few of those losses were certainly avoidable. Last year put a real damper on their early progress, suffering a double-digit home loss to USC in a game where Kasparas Jakucionis was unavailable due to injury.

Fortunately, the Illini got Jakucionis back in the lineup this week and the results were loud and clear. Illinois put up 60 in the first half in a slaughter, winning 94-69 at Indiana in a historic performance in Bloomington. Jakucionis played considerable minutes and scored 21 points while Kylan Boswell had 22 points and 7 rebounds.  Tomislav Ivisic had a double-double on a great night for the Illini.

Any questions about the Illini were answered with Jakucionis and this squad putting out a statement on Tuesday night. There are still some problems for an Illinois team that has shooting woes or stale offense at times, but this team is back on track after another incredible performance on the road. They’ll need yet another positive statement Sunday at Michigan State before welcoming Maryland to town later this upcoming week.