No. 10 Illinois Cruises by USC on the Road

No. 10 Illinois delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, dismantling USC 101-65 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. The emphatic victory marked Illinois’ second consecutive win following back-to-back overtime setbacks and signaled a clear return to form.

Across those two games, the Illini have outscored opponents by a combined 56 points, restablishing themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

With the result, Illinois improved to 22-5 overall and 13-3 in Big Ten play, further solidifying its hold on second place in the conference standings. The convincing road win also bolstered the team’s NCAA Tournament résumé, especially against a competitive USC squad projected to contend for postseason play. The Trojans dropped to 18-8 overall and 7-8 in conference competition.

Notably, this triumph represents Illinois’ seventh road victory in eight Big Ten road contests this season—an impressive feat that underscores the team’s consistency away from home.

Balanced Scoring Powers Illinois’ Offensive Explosion

Illinois’ depth and versatility were once again on full display. Seven different players scored in double figures, and six connected from beyond the arc. Leading the charge was Andrej Stojakovic, who returned from injury in outstanding fashion. He poured in 22 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting performance, setting the tone offensively.

Head coach Brad Underwood’s offense operated with remarkable efficiency and diversity. The Illini attacked from every angle, producing:

• 36 points in the paint
• 39 points via 13 made three-pointers
• 19 fast-break points
• 17 second-chance points
• 24 free-throw points

Such all-around scoring highlights the multidimensional nature of Illinois’ attack. Whether in transition, from long range, inside the lane, or at the free-throw line, the Illini found success across the board.

First-Half Fireworks Set The Tone

From the opening tip, USC struggled to contain Illinois’ dynamic offense. The Trojans committed eight team fouls within the first 10 minutes, allowing Illinois to capitalize early at the free-throw line. Fifteen made free throws significantly contributed to Illinois’ 54 first-half points—the team’s highest-scoring opening half in conference play this season.

Eight different Illinois players made at least one field goal during the first 20 minutes, with six players knocking down multiple shots. The offensive efficiency was staggering:

• 1.500 points per possession
• 53.3% shooting from the field
• 43.8% shooting from three-point range

By halftime, Illinois had built a commanding 22-point advantage, leaving little doubt about the game’s trajectory.

Second-Half Surge Eliminates Any Doubt

Rather than easing off the gas, Illinois intensified its dominance after the break. The Illini extended their lead to as many as 39 points, continuing the offensive barrage throughout the full 40 minutes.

Against a respectable USC defense, Illinois finished the game shooting 51.6% from the field and an impressive 44.8% from beyond the arc. The performance further strengthens the argument that Illinois currently boasts one of the most efficient offenses in the nation.

The Trojans simply had no answer for Illinois’ pace, shot selection, ball movement, and transition play. The Illini’s offensive execution was nearly flawless from start to finish.

Key Performers: Stat Leaders Of The Night

Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois)

• 22 points
• 3 rebounds
• 6-of-7 field goals

Kylan Boswell (Illinois)

• 12 points
• 5 rebounds
• 8 assists

Ezra Ausar (USC)

• 15 points
• 11 rebounds
• 2 assists

Stojakovic’s efficiency stood out, while Boswell’s all-around contributions highlighted Illinois’ balanced approach. For USC, Ausar recorded a double-double but received limited support in containing the Illini’s offensive momentum.

Illinois Strengthens Its Big Ten Position

With a 13-3 conference record, Illinois has tightened its grip on second place in the Big Ten standings. Road success in conference play is often a defining factor in championship contention, and Illinois’ seven road wins reflect both resilience and consistency.

The Illini’s recent dominance also enhances their NCAA Tournament positioning. Victories of this magnitude—especially on the road against quality opponents—carry significant weight in March evaluations.

The question now circulating among fans and analysts alike: Is the 2025-26 Illinois offense superior to the 2023-24 version? Given the current offensive efficiency and depth, the debate is certainly justified.

Conclusion

No. 10 Illinois delivered one of its most complete performances of the season in a 101-65 rout over USC. With balanced scoring, elite efficiency, and relentless offensive pressure, the Illini showcased why they are among the nation’s top teams. The win not only strengthens their Big Ten standing but also solidifies their NCAA Tournament résumé. If this level of execution continues, Illinois will remain a formidable contender deep into March.

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