CHAMPAIGN — Northwestern probably would just as well play all its games against Illinois up in Evanston, where the Wildcats have beaten the Illini three seasons in a row.
The rivalry games have been ever so different down here, where Illinois fully owns “Chicago’s Big Ten team.” A 83-74 affair Sunday, completely one-sided until the No. 17 Illini seemingly lost interest down the stretch, was the ninth straight win at State Farm Center against the Wildcats, who haven’t swept a season series since 1966.
Illinois improved to 14-6 overall and 6-4 in the Big Ten. Northwestern — its chances to reach a third straight NCAA Tournament slipping away — fell to 12-8, 3-6.
Again playing without 7-footer Tomislav Ivisic, who has mono, the Illini had no trouble avoiding the sort of disastrous outing they had last time out against Maryland, which handed them their third loss in four games. But the Wildcats don’t have anything like the Terrapins’ intimidating big-man tandem of Derik Queen and Julian Reese, Angel’s little brother. Dominating in every facet, including at the rim, the Illini went ahead 17-5 and 32-11 on the way to a 43-21 lead at the half.
The Wildcats came in playing well, having beaten Maryland and Indiana at home and lost at Michigan in overtime over their last three games. But they also came in with an far-from-ideal NET ranking of 49, which is a real problem given the team’s record. The Illini, on the other hand, might drop in the next AP Top 25, but their NET ranking — 10 before Sunday — sets them up very nicely going forward.
Kylan Boswell scored 17 for Illini. Freshman Morez Johnson Jr. had 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Kasparas Jakucionis packed the stats sheet, as usual, with 11 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Nic Martinelli and Jalen Leach led the Wildcats with 17 points apiece.
Northwestern hosts Rutgers on Wednesday. Illinois plays at Nebraska a night later.