Illinois adds Aaliyah Guyton to women's basketball roster

CHAMPAIGN – The Fighting Illini women's basketball program is gearing up for a dynamic boost with the addition of Aaliyah Guyton, announced head coach Shauna Green. Guyton, a 5-foot-7-inch guard hailing from Peoria, Illinois, joins Illinois as a rising sophomore transfer from Iowa, marking a significant recruitment coup for the Big Ten squad.

Fighting Illini Sports
Guyton, who played her prep ball at Peoria High School, brings a robust basketball pedigree to Champaign. Her career trajectory includes a notable stint with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she made 29 appearances and averaged 4.7 points per game during her freshman campaign. Iowa, a formidable force in NCAA competition, secured a No. 6 seed in the tournament and advanced to the Round of 32 last season.

"I chose Illinois because of the strong sense of community, the incredible growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of something meaningful alongside an amazing team and staff," said Guyton, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming season. "I'm truly grateful to Coach Green for recruiting me again; it really speaks to the belief she has in me. I'm excited to get started and be a part of the FamILLy!"

Recognized as the No. 57 prospect nationwide by ESPN HoopGurlz and the top player in Illinois by PrepGirlsHoops.com in the Class of 2024, Guyton's accolades extend beyond her collegiate debut. As a high school standout, she earned consensus all-state honors, averaging 21.6 points per game during her junior season before an injury-shortened senior year.

Coach Green expressed her excitement about Guyton's addition, highlighting her versatility and leadership potential. "I am absolutely thrilled to have Aaliyah join our family," said Green. "She brings Big Ten experience and the ability to lead our team at the point guard position. Aaliyah's scoring ability and elite defensive skills will be invaluable to our system. I cannot wait to get Aaliyah to campus!"

With Guyton set to don the orange and blue for the 2025-26 season, Illinois fans can look forward to her having a positive impact on and off the court. With the next season months away, the Fighting Illini look poised to capitalize on Guyton's talents as they pursue new heights in Big Ten competition.



Despite strong play from Will Riley and Kylan Boswell, Illinois suffers first loss of the season

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.


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Keywords: Illinois basketball, Crimson Tide basketball, Will Riley Illinois basketball, Grant Nelson Alabama

Brandon Lee joins the Fighting Illini 2025 class

CHAMPAIGN — The Fighting Illini secured a major piece of their 2025 basketball recruiting class on Monday with the signing of 6-foot-4 shooting guard Brandon Lee, head coach Brad Underwood announced. Lee, the son of Puerto Rican basketball icon Butch Lee, joins Illinois as a dynamic scorer with international and elite AAU experience.

Born in Puerto Rico and currently playing at The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey, Lee brings a multifaceted offensive game to Champaign. Ranked No. 98 in the 2025 class by 247Sports, he has proven himself as a three-level scorer with the ability to dominate high-stakes competition.

"Brandon is a gifted scorer and an aggressive offensive player who can score at all three levels," Underwood said. "He has great physicality which allows him to score at the rim, get to the foul line, and he is a very capable shooter with range at the 3-point line."

Fighting Illini Sports
Lee’s pedigree extends far beyond his own burgeoning résumé. His father, Butch Lee, was a trailblazer as the first Puerto Rican to play in the NBA. The elder Lee made history at Marquette University, where he earned the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1978 before being selected 10th overall in the NBA Draft. That legacy is part of what has shaped Brandon’s basketball journey, which has included starring for Puerto Rico in international tournaments and excelling in top-tier AAU circuits.

On the Nike EYBL circuit with the New York Rens, Lee emerged as one of the top young players in the country. Averaging 23 points per game, he finished as the third-leading scorer and earned the Breakout MVP award for the 17U division at The Circuit. At the prestigious Peach Jam, he further impressed, posting 18.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Lee’s skills shone on the international stage this summer at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where he led Puerto Rico in scoring with 13.3 points per game, including a standout 22-point performance against Team USA in the quarterfinals.

"He has faced high-level competition throughout high school and AAU, and he has FIBA experience as well with Puerto Rico," Underwood added. "Brandon comes from a basketball family, so it's no surprise he is a high IQ player who has been well-coached throughout his career. We're excited to officially welcome him to the Fighting Illini family."

Illinois’ recruiting momentum has been significant, as Lee becomes the fourth guard to join Underwood’s 2025 class. He chose Illinois over offers from Rutgers, Mississippi State, Seton Hall, and several other programs, signaling the strength of the program’s appeal. Lee joins recent commit Keaton Wagler as part of a backcourt poised to keep the Illini competitive in the Big Ten for years to come.

With his blend of experience, scoring versatility, and NBA bloodlines, Lee is poised to make a significant impact at State Farm Center.



Keywords: Brandon Lee Illinois basketball, Fighting Illini 2025 recruiting class, Puerto Rican basketball stars, Brad Underwood Illinois signing, Illini Basketball

Illinois volleyball player captures second Olympic medal

PARIS - Jordyn Poulter, an Illinois volleyball alum, has done it again, bringing home her second Olympic medal after helping Team USA secure silver at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Poulter, an All-American during her time with the Fighting Illini, now stands alone as the only alum to have earned multiple Olympic medals.

The journey to silver was marked by Poulter’s leadership as the starting setter, a role she also filled during Team USA’s historic gold medal run at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. That victory was a first for the program, with fellow Illini alum Michelle Bartsch-Hackley by her side and Erin Virtue contributing from the coaching staff, a role Virtue reprised in Paris.

In the gold medal match against Italy, Poulter’s 25 assists and five digs showcased her relentless effort, even as Team USA fell in straight sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-17). Throughout the tournament, Poulter started all six matches, guiding the squad to a 4-2 record with wins over powerhouses like Serbia, France, and Brazil.

This silver marks the fifth consecutive Olympic medal for Team USA women’s volleyball, continuing a streak that began with the 2008 Beijing Games. Notably, that 2008 squad included Illinois alum Jen Tamas (formerly Joines), a connection that highlights the Illini legacy within USA Volleyball. With seven overall Olympic medals, Team USA continues to hold the record for the most by any country in women’s indoor volleyball.


Illinois tennis team host #1 Ohio State tonight

URBANA - The Fighting Illini men's tennis team will host the #1 team in the nation tonight at Atkins Tennis Center. The match, a traditional non-conference contest between the Big 10 rivals, starts at 6 p.m.

Last week, the men's team won both matches in their doubleheader last Friday, defeating Eastern Illinois 5-0 win and knocking off #14 Baylor in a 5-2 decision.

The Buckeyes have not lost a match this season, including a 7-0 win over the Virginia Cavaliers, reigning national champions. This year's squad has recorded nine shutouts so far this season.

The OSU contingent includes three top-25 singles players. JJ Tracy is ranked #7, Jack Anthrop is #16, and Cannon Kingsley is #17.

Tonight's match will be a test of character for Illinois' top three players. Hunter Heck, ranked #39, has 13 wins and seven losses this season.

All-American Karlis Ozolins, the Fighting Illini's hard-serving junior, is 13-4 this season and currently ranked #30. When paired for doubles, Heck and Ozolins are ranked #3.

Moving up the ratings ladder, Kenta Miyoshi is having a splendid season with 16 wins against seven losses.

Admission to Illinois tennis matches is free to the public. Whether you are a competitive recreational or high school player, checking out University of Illinois home tennis matches is an excellent opportunity to watch high-level tennis court-level.


Illini women crush Truman State at home, 121-60

Illinois' Adalia McKenzie fires a shot above Truman State's Emma Bulman. McKenzie finished the team's only exhibition game of the season with nine points and was 3-for-3 from the free throw line on October 30.
Photo: University of Illinois Athletics/Eleanor Guinan

CHAMPAIGN - Every player on the Illinois women's basketball team saw at least two minutes of playing time in the Illini's opening exhibition match against Truman State. Eight players finished the night in double figures for the #23 ranked that rolled over the visiting Bulldogs 121-60 on Monday.

Genesis Bryant led the Illini's offensive effort with a team-high 18 points. Jada Peebles entered the game to drop 15 points on TSU, while Kendall Bostic, who hauled down ten rebounds, contributed another 14 points.

"Overall, it was a good outing. Obviously, we shot the ball really well, but on defense, we need to be sharper," said second-year Illinois head coach Shauna Green. "We need to be able to string more possessions together. That's a work in progress. We will continue to get better, but there were too many times where we got beat off the bounce way too easily."

The Illini snagged 11 steals and made 21 out of 27 free throws.

From beyond the arc, Illinois drained 54% of their shots, making 14 out of 26 attempts. Eight of 14 3-pointers found their way through the net in the first quarter.

"It makes us really hard to guard when everyone is shooting threes and knocking them down," Bryant said. "If we could shoot like that all the time, we would be very hard to beat. It's just fun, especially when teammates are knocking them down."

Truman State was paced by freshman Molly Joyce, who came off the bench to score 18 in her college debut. Teammate Lexie White kicked in another 14 points, and Madison Niemeier, a 6-2 junior, added another seven to round out the top scorers for the Bulldogs.

St. Joseph-Ogden product Ella Armstrong saw eight and a half minutes of playing time under the dome against the Illini. The Truman State sophomore hit a field goal against the Big Ten host.

Upcoming Illinios Womens Basketball Schedule
Home games listed in bold

TUESDAY NOV. 7
MOREHEAD STATE STATE FARM CENTER 6 PM

Saturday Nov. 11
at Marquette Milwaukee, Wis. (Al McGuire Center) 2 PM

WEDNESDAY NOV. 15
SAINT PETER’S STATE FARM CENTER 11 AM

Saturday Nov. 18
vs. Notre Dame # Washington, D.C.

SUNDAY NOV. 26
CANISIUS STATE FARM CENTER 1 PM

WEDNESDAY NOV. 29
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE STATE FARM CENTER 6 PM


Fighting Illini Open women's tennis tournament starts November 6

Lorilei Yau lines up a winning shot while playing a high school match against Centennial in August. The Urbana senior and a state-qualifier in tennis this season, along with other area tennis players and fans, will have the opportunity to watch some of the top female tennis athletes in the world compete at the Fighting Illini Open from November 6-13 at Atkins Tennis Center.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

URBANA - Atkins Tennis Center, located on the University of Illinois campus, will host the area's final women's professional tennis tournament of the year on November 6-13. The Fighting Illini Open will be a unique opportunity for central Illinois tennis players and fans to see rising stars on the ladies' side of the sport and top players from all over the world. Thirty-two singles players and 16 double pairs will compete for a $15,000 purse during the first full week of November.

Last year's title was won by China's Fangran Tian, who defeated Ania Hertel from Poland in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. The 20-year-old rolled through the bracket without dropping a set.

Fangran, who was ranked 1,138 in the world by the International Tennis Federation, has won three more W15 hardcourt tournament titles since visited the home of the Fighting Illini Womens Tennis program. Now a sophomore on the UCLA roster, she picked up titles and prize money at tournaments this summer in Rancho Santa Fe (CA), San Diego, and Los Angeles, pushing her international ranking to a career-high 512.

Katherine Duong, a junior at the University of Illinois last November, battled her way from a wildcard entry to a semifinal match against Sara Daavettila, who is currently ranked 525 by the Womens Tennis Association. Doung fell 6-3, 6-2, ending her 2022 run but not before winning matches over Swiss Sophie Luescher (6-4, 6-1), Great Britain's Tiffany William (6-3, 6-3), and Wisconsin University frosh Maria Sholokhova (7-5, 6-4) from Sochi, Russia.

This year's tournament draw and results can be found on X (formally known as Twitter) at @illiniProTennis or on the official tournament website at https://www.illiniprotennis.com/. For more information contact Atkins Tennis Center at (217) 244-8562.


Illini cross country squad takes second at Bradley meet

PEORIA – Earlier today, the Illinois men's cross country squad finished second at the Bradley Pink Classic.

Jack Roberts led the Illini contingent, collecting his third individual win on the season with a time of 24:08.4 in today's 8k race. Roberts, a senior, hasn't finished below second place in the final standings all year. The Downers Grove native also placed first at the Illini Open and the Gans Creek Classic at Columbia last month.

Alex Partlow extended his streak of top-10 finishes to four, crossing the finish line in fifth-place finish at 24:22.3. Teammate Brady Masters rounded out the top 10 for the Illini when he crossed 10th and clocked a 24:37.0. Later, Anthony Maida, a junior, made it across the line to give Illinois four finishers in the top 20. Turning in a time of 24:39.5, he finished 17th in the field of 199 runners.

The Illinois men's team finished with 120 points behind meet champions IUPUI (118) and enjoyed a 15-point advantage over Wichita State, who finished third. Host Bradley University finished in fourth place with 160 points, and Cincinnati rounded out the top five squads in the Red Division, earning 165 points.


Illinois volleyball season opens season against EIU in a free exhibition match

CHAMPAIGN – The Fighting Illini volleyball team will start their 2023-24 season on August 16 at Huff Hall in an exhibition contest against Eastern Illinois University. The match, which is free general public, will start at 6 p.m.

Illinois' regular season play starts on August 26 at Northern Illinois University. After the road opener on Saturday, the Illini hosts their first home contest three days later against Valparaiso at 6 p.m. on August. 29.

The Illini will enjoy the services of nine veteran players and six newcomers this season. American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) all-region selection Raina Terry and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honoree Brooke Mosher return to the squad led by head coach Chris Tamas, who starts his seventh season at the helm.

2023 season tickets are on sale now and can be reserved online by following this link here.


Illini knock off Cornhuskers, Ozolins leads Illinois with two wins

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
URBANA - Karlis Ozolins crushes a forehand during his match against Nebraska's Roni Hietaranta on Sunday. The Illinois sophomore from Latvia, who is ranked No. 46, rolled to 6-1, 6-1, victory in his singles match against Hietaranta. The Fighting Illini tennis team won their last home match of the season over the visiting Cornhuskers, 4-2. Ozolins also picked up an earlier win with doubles partner Hunter Heck. The pair defeated Nebraska's William Gleason and Leo Linquet, 6-2.

Box Score

Doubles Results

1. No. 50 Hunter Heck Karlis Ozolins (ILL) def. William Gleason/Leo Linquet (NEB), 6-2
2. No. 52 Mathis Debru Oliver Okonkwo (ILL) vs. Calvin Mueller/Lars Johann (NEB), 3-3 UF
3. Gabrielius Guzauskas William Mroz (ILL) def. Roni Hietaranta/Shunya Maruyama (NEB), 6-1


Singles Results

1. No. 46 Karlis Ozolins (ILL) def. Roni Hietaranta (NEB), 6-1, 6-1
2. Leo Linquet (NEB) def. Hunter Heck (ILL), 6-2, 2-6, 6-3
3. No. 88 Alex Petrov (ILL) def. Shunya Maruyama (NEB), 6-4, 6-3
4. Lars Johann (NEB) def. William Mroz (ILL), 6-4, 6-3
5. Oliver Okonkwo (ILL) def. William Gleason (NEB), 3-6, 6-1, 6-2
6. Nic Meister (ILL) vs. Nic Wiedenhorn (NEB), 6-3, 6-7, 4-1 unfinished


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Illinois tennis team suffers first conference loss, Illini fall 4-0 to #2 OSU
Tennis player Mathis Debru
Illinois' Mathis Debru celebrates after he and doubles partner Oliver Okonkwo tie up their match at 4-all. The duo fell 6-4 to Ohio State's Robert Cash and Justin Boulais. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

URBANA - One would have thought the steady 20mph breeze at Shahid & Ann Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex would have been ideal conditions for Illinois to upset #2 Ohio State (19-2) on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the 70º day, blessed with plenty of sunshine, did not fair well for the Fighting Illini (13-8), who lost the home match 4-0 to Buckeyes in their second Big Ten match of the season.

The key to OSU's victory and Illinois' demise was the basic 'brains over brawn' approach.


Rockets win softball season opener in Tennesse, and then some
JACKSON, TN - Lindy Bates went 3-for-3 in the Rockets' season opener earlier this month against Millington Central at the Sarah Beth Whitehead Tournament. Unity plated three runs in the third inning to beat the Trojans after five innings 4-2 on March 16.
Two healthy snack options for families on the go
Family Features - School days offer nearly endless opportunities for learning and exploration in the classroom, but education doesn’t have to end with the final bell. Parents can ensure their students feel energetic, creative and confident by inspiring snack choices ....
URBANA - Vocalists Elena Negruta and Ingrid Kammin preform a classical piece at the The CATsNAP Benefit Concert on Sunday afternoon at the Rose Bowl Tavern. The three-hour fundraiser also featured performances from the Church Street Ramblers, the Peter Tijerina Quintet, and Tania Arazi Coambs Trio.
Recipe: Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls
Family Features - From salads and snacks to breakfast, lunch and dinner, rounding out a full menu of healthy meals shouldn't be a chore. In fact, you can still enjoy your favorite flavors and tickle your taste buds with nutritious recipes that capitalize on powerful ingredients you actually want to eat.

Good sleep habits help weight loss and cardiovascular health
Improving one’s sleep health is something everyone can do to improve their cardiovascular health

DALLAS - People who reported getting regular, uninterrupted sleep did a better job sticking to their exercise and diet plans while trying to lose weight, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2023. The meeting will be held in Boston, February 28-March 3, 2023, and offers the latest science on population-based health and wellness and implications for lifestyle and cardiometabolic health.

"Focusing on obtaining good sleep — seven to nine hours at night with a regular wake time along with waking refreshed and being alert throughout the day — may be an important behavior that helps people stick with their physical activity and dietary modification goals," said Christopher E. Kline, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of health and human development at the University of Pittsburgh. "A previous study of ours reported that better sleep health was associated with a significantly greater loss of body weight and fat among participants in a year-long, behavioral weight loss program."


Illinois tennis team suffers first conference loss, Illini fall 4-0 to #2 OSU

URBANA - One would have thought the steady 20mph breeze at Shahid & Ann Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex would have been ideal conditions for Illinois to upset #2 Ohio State (19-2) on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the 70º day, blessed with plenty of sunshine, did not fair well for the Fighting Illini (13-8), who lost the home match 4-0 to Buckeyes in their second Big Ten match of the season.

Tennis player Mathis Debru
Illinois' Mathis Debru celebrates after he and doubles partner Oliver Okonkwo tie up their match at 4-all. The duo fell 6-4 to Ohio State's Robert Cash and Justin Boulais. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

The key to OSU's victory and Illinois' demise was the basic 'brains over brawn' approach.

Physically, Ohio State's roster, compared pound-for-pound, did not measure up to the lightning quick, ball-bashing, uberfit Illinois squad.

"We have the student athletes to get the job done," head coach Brad Dancer said, clearly disappointed of the team's performance after the match. "It was evident today we are not in the mindset to take control of the Big Ten. Tennis matches are like prize fights – you have to hit with your best and you have to take your opponent's best. The difference is you can't get KO'd."

The sustained wind out of the south played havoc for both squads. Typical low-percentage shots that Illini players make routinely missed wide far too often. Groundstokes tended to stay a loft too long, only to bounce a foot or two out of bounds.

Across all six courts during singles, the Buckeyes adjusted their style of play and stopped trying to slug it out toe-to-toe with the Illini. OSU opted for a new strategy focused on keeping the ball in play, while Illinois kept going after the big shots and settling more often than not unforced errors.

The tactical change worked. Playing smart tennis, OSU's JJ Tracy soundedly defeated Illinois' William Mroz, 6-1, 6-2. Minutes later, Mroz' teammate, Nic Meister, was packing his racquet bag after falling Jack Anthrop, 6-2, 6-1.

"So you walk on the court and start punching and start defending and you have to get used to getting punched in the gut, and punching back and realize this is tennis. It doesn't go away, so get comfortable fighting and being tough. When this team is able to consistently do that we will have a great squad. Until we can be consistent in that then we are what we are."


       
Right: Oliver Okonkwo chases a ball off the court during his #2 Doubles match with partner Mathis Debru. Left: Junior Hunter Heck returns a serve to his backhand during his doubles match with Karlis Ozolins. The pair was trailing 5-4 in their #1 Doubles match against OSU's Andrew Lutschaunig and James Trotter when play was ended after the Illini recorded losses on the #2 and #3 doubles courts. Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

The remaining four singles matches went to a third set tie-break. Despite down 3-0 on the north scoreboard, Illinois still had a chance to engineer an upset until Ohio State's James Trotter, who forced the breaker after taking the second set 6-3, sealed the team victory with his third set 6-2 win over Illinois' Alex Petrov. Petrov won the opening set between the pair 6-4.

Earlier, in doubles competition Alex Petrov and Kenta Miyoshi were the first shake hands after dropping the match to OSU's Cannon Kingsley and JJ Tracy, 6-2. Then, with a stroke of luck, Buckeyes Robert Cash and Justin Boulais slid by Oliver Okonkwo who partnered with Mathis Debru in a dramatic 6-4 finish to secure the doubles point.

This weekend the Fighting Illini men's tennis team are on a two-match road trip to face Purdue University on Friday and then head south to Bloomingon, Indiana, for another conference match against Indiana University on Sunday.

BOX SCORE

Ohio State 4, Illinois 0

Doubles
1. #49 Hunter Heck/Karlis Ozolins (ILL) vs. #7 Andrew Lutschaunig/James Trotter (OSU) 4-5, unfinished
2. #36 Robert Cash/Justin Boulais (OSU) def. #56 Oliver Okonkwo/Mathis Debru (ILL) 6-4
3. Cannon Kingsley/JJ Tracy (OSU) def. Alex Petrov/Kenta Miyoshi (ILL) 6-2

Singles
1. #33 Karlis Ozolins (ILL) vs. #2 Cannon Kingsley (OSU) 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 4-4, unfinished
2. Hunter Heck (ILL) vs. Justin Boulais (OSU) 2-6, 6-4, 5-1, unfinished
3. #25 James Trotter (OSU) def. Alex Petrov (ILL) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
4. #15 JJ Tracy (OSU) def. William Mroz (ILL) 6-1, 6-2
5. Oliver Okonkwo (ILL) vs. Alexander Bernard (OSU) 6-3, 5-7, 4-3, unfinished
6. Jack Anthrop (OSU) def. Nic Meister (ILL) 6-2, 6-1

Over 200 spectators enjoyed the warmest day yet this spring watching the Illini battle OSU at Atkins Tennis Center. The Illinois team plays at home next on April 14 for Mom's Day and again April 16 for Senior Day. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Illinois tennis programs have four remaining home matches this season

URBANA - Tonight, the nationally ranked Fighting Illini men's tennis team host the Penn State at Atkins Tennis Center. The action starts at 6pm.

This is just one of four home Big 10 matches for Illinois, who were ranked 19th in the country by the ITA after beating unranked Baylor and Abilene Christian, dropped to #21 after surprising 4-1 loss to Texas Christian University last Sunday.

If you can't make tonight's contest, the Illini are back on the court at noon on Sunday to face rival Ohio State. So far, the Buckeyes (13-4) posted a 2-1 record during the month of March and hope to drive east unscathed by the 15-7 Illinois program led by long-time head coach Brad Dancer.

The Illini are at home again on Friday, April 14, at 6pm against the Wisconsin Badgers and face Nebraska for Senior Day on Sunday, April 16, at noon.

The women's program also has four home Big 10 matches remaining this season. Ranked at #35, the Illini women (10-5) split its Spring Break matches against Arizona (#57) and New Mexico State at the LaNelle Robson Tennis Center in Tucson, Arizona, a week ago this past Tuesday.

Illinois faces Michigan State on March 31 and Michigan on April 1 for hard-hitting tennis action at Atkins. Their home Big 10 schedule conclude with a twin bill weekend against Nebraska on April 11 and Iowa at noon on April 23.

Admission to both tennis team's home matches is free. Illinois tennis matches are great opportunity for high school and local recreational players of all ages to enjoy high-level play and the energy of collegiate tennis.


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