The Illini battled to the end, but it wasn’t enough against an experienced Crimson Tide – which was fodder enough for social media
What was expected to be a fast-paced, high-scoring showdown between two of the country’s most explosive offenses instead opened as a slow, grind-it-out affair at the United Center. Illinois and Alabama struggled to establish any flow early on, and both teams’ typically smooth attacks looked bogged down for much of the first half.
As the game progressed, however, the tempo increased and the scoring finally erupted, turning the matchup into the thriller everyone had been waiting for—just not in the way most expected. In the end, the Illini came up short, falling 90-86 in a hard-fought battle against a highly skilled Crimson Tide team.
Illinois actually opened the night on a very promising note. The Illini dictated the early pace, slowing Alabama’s transition game and forcing Nate Oats’ uptempo offense into grinding out half-court possessions. Offensively, Illinois was sharp. David Mirkovic delivered an impressive first half, validating the internal excitement surrounding his potential. The freshman attacked the boards, finished through contact, and provided a physical presence inside that caused Alabama problems. Andrej Stojakovic chipped in several standout moments as well, flashing smooth drives, knockdown threes, and a powerful dunk that ignited the Chicago crowd.
But after the break, the momentum swung. Illinois came out cold while Alabama settled in. Missed shots and empty trips down the floor piled up, and the Crimson Tide used the opening to create a comfortable margin. For Illinois’ younger players, the stage and atmosphere became evident. Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler—both making their first real road appearance—struggled to replicate their poise from State Farm Center. Alabama, meanwhile, took advantage of nearly every Illini miscue.
Even so, Illinois kept battling. Stojakovic relentlessly attacked off the dribble, and Kylan Boswell helped stabilize the offense when it needed composure most. The Illini repeatedly trimmed the gap to one possession, giving themselves multiple opportunities down the stretch to tie the game or take the lead.
But in the closing minutes, the game was decided by the smallest details — and that’s where Illinois slipped. Missed free throws, lapses on the boards, and open shots that didn’t fall ended up making the difference. Against a team as polished as Alabama, those minor mistakes quickly become major ones. And credit where it’s due: future NBA guard Labaron Philon took over late, dictating the action with big shots, sharp decision-making and veteran-level poise.
It’s certainly a frustrating defeat. Still, Illinois battled for all 40 minutes against one of the nation’s top programs, showed real grit, and gained valuable reps for its young players. Losses like this hurt, but they also lay the groundwork for growth.
And naturally, social media had plenty of thoughts. Here are some of the standout reactions from around the college basketball world:
A very Illini crowd
Just like pops
Mirk showing out again
Coleman Hawkins not happy with the officiating
Hello, Milahilo Petrovic
Some brutal shooting to start the second half
A lane violation?!?!?!?!?
A lot of missed opportunities from the foul line
Philon works the late shift
Not right now, Jon
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