The Illini delivered strong individual performances almost across the board agains the Rams, and it showed in a
As exceptional as Illinois has been on the court for much of the 2025-26 college basketball season, there have been a number of lapses – inexplicable moments of inertia or indifference – and a handful of games that slipped through the Illini's fingers as a result.
That wasn't the case in Saturday's second-round NCAA Tournament matchup, in which the 11th-seeded Rams disappeared a 12-point first-half lead and threw a North Carolina-sized scare into No. 3 Illinois. But instead of retreating into a shell, the Illini bit down, swung back and landed a series of haymakers – includingAt least, that's the hope in Champaign. The win over the Rams sends the Illini into a Sweet 16 matchup with No. 2 seed Houston , a bona fide beast, and dangerous guard Kingston Flemings. Conquer the Cougars, and Illinois is looking at a surprisingly favorable Elite Eight matchup against Iowa or Nebraska, both of which the Illini own wins over this season. But before turning forward, let's take one last look back at how Illinois fared against VCU. Below are individual grades – single-game measures of player effectiveness – for the Illini from Saturday's win: The Rams took no chances covering the perimeter against the Illini, and it left the middle of their defense wide open. Guess who took notice? Stojakovic attacked the paint over and over Saturday, scoring a game-high 21 points on 7-for-12 field-goal shooting and 7-for-9 free-throw shooting. He was aggressive and accurate and a one-man maelstrom that VCU couldn't contain. Against the Rams, Ivisic got going early with a layup and a dunk, and it seemed to make all the difference. He was energized and involved, grabbing 11 rebounds and was as menacing a rim protector as he has been all season. He even more or less shook out of his shooting slump, knocking down 2 of 5 three-point attempts. Big Z had just two points and one block against VCU, but boy howdy, were they a massive block and two very big points. The Rams probably challenged Illinois inside more than any other foe this season, but Ivisic's activity and athleticism were a big component of the defense that held VCU to 34.8 percent shooting. Davis played only 14 minutes and provided no Big Z-style, above-the-rim acrobatics, but he stood out in his own way: a three-pointer on his only shot attempt, three rebounds , a block and a steal. A guy who looked a little out of place in certain matchups a year ago now holds his own – and even makes plays – in any scenario today. The Rams are athletic almost across the board, and they took every opportunity to swarm and swat at Wagler, who is still learning how to produce and play through bully tactics . But a so-so game that yields 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block ain't bad. Humrichous hit just one shot in 27 minutes against VCU, and for a player billed as an elite shooter, it isn't nearly often enough that we see him knock down a big three when itcounts. Still, his evolution into the ultimate glue guy continues. Three rebounds, three assists, two steals and – as has become his habit – brilliant defense made Humrichous an asset. It wasn't Mirkovic's best game, but he still managed seven points, five rebounds and four assists. He could have gotten there more efficiently , but the effort was there. Besides, on a club this loaded, a key skill is recognizing when it isn't your night. Mirk did that, eventually playing a supporting role in the band after taking center stage against Penn.Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.Can Illinois and Brad Underwood Change Their NCAA Tournament Narrative?
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