Illinois' Kylan Boswell dives after a loose ball with Alabama's Mark Sears at Legacy Arena on Wednesday. Boswell turned in a 17-point performance for the Orange & Blue in his 33 minutes on the floor in the Fighting Illini's first loss of the season.
Photo: Courtney Bay/Illinois Athletics
BIRMINGHAM - The Illinois basketball program's hope of snapping a long-standing losing streak against Alabama came up short Wednesday night, as the No. 8 Crimson Tide secured a decisive 100-87 victory in Birmingham at Legacy Arena in front of over 11,000 basketball fans. Despite a strong offensive showing from Illinois, Alabama’s depth proved to be the difference maker, handing the Illini (3-1) their first loss of the season. No. 25 Illinois is 0-2 against ranked opponents this season if you include an exhibition matchup on Oct 27 against No. 24 Ole Miss. Alabama (4-1) dominated early, surging to a 52-38 lead by halftime behind efficient shooting and a balanced attack. Grant Nelson led the Crimson Tide with a game-high 23 points, while freshman guard Aden Holloway added 18 points in 29 minutes off the bench. Alabama’s bench accounted for 39 points, compared to Illinois' 24, proving crucial in maintaining the Tide’s lead throughout the contest. Illinois struck first with a three-pointer from freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis, giving the Illini a brief early advantage. A layup by junior guard Kylan Boswell later pushed Illinois ahead 7-6. However, Alabama quickly regained control with a three-pointer from Latrell Wrightsell Jr. at the 17:19 mark, sparking a dominant stretch that saw the Tide extend their lead to as many as 18 points in the first half. Despite Illinois trimming the deficit to eight points on two occasions in the second half, the Illini couldn’t sustain momentum against Alabama’s relentless pace. Seven turnovers in the first half hampered Illinois’ comeback attempts, allowing Alabama to seal the victory with consistent scoring from its starters and reserves. Illinois freshman forward Will Riley showcased his potential, leading the team with 18 points off the bench. Riley nearly posted a double-double, pulling down nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, while also dishing out four assists. It marked Riley’s third double-digit scoring effort in four games. Boswell turned in a season-best performance with 17 points and seven rebounds. Jakucionis contributed a career-high 15 points, along with four rebounds and six assists, while sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic recorded his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 boards. For Alabama, Nelson’s versatile scoring effort, combined with Wrightsell’s and Holloway’s sharp shooting, kept Illinois at bay. Labaron Philon chipped in 16 points, rounding out the Tide’s top double-digit scorers. The loss marked Illinois’ fourth consecutive defeat to Alabama, with their only win in the series dating back to 1953. Wednesday’s contest highlighted Illinois’ offensive potential, as they out-rebounded Alabama and shot better from beyond the arc. However, defensive lapses and a lack of bench production underscored the challenges Illinois must address as they navigate a competitive early-season schedule. Illinois will look to bounce back this Saturday at State Farm Center when they host Maryland-Eastern Shore at 3 PM.
Keywords: Illinois basketball, Crimson Tide basketball, Will Riley Illinois basketball, Grant Nelson Alabama
