Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood expressed frustration over his team’s lack of focus and effort following their 82-72 loss to the Southern California Trojans on January 11, 2025. The defeat marked a setback for the Illini, who were hoping to build momentum after previous performances.
Underwood’s critique was particularly pointed regarding Illinois’ rebounding performance. The Trojans outrebounded the Illini 37-34, which is uncharacteristic for a team known for its strong rebounding capabilities. Underwood highlighted the disappointing individual performances of his starters, noting that guard Will Riley contributed only one rebound, center Tomislav Ivisic had just three, and forward Tre White managed only four.
The loss also showcased significant issues with turnovers, as Illinois finished the game with 15 turnovers—an area of concern that Underwood directly linked to the team’s mental state. “It just went downhill from there,” he remarked following the first possession turnover. He further criticized his team’s approach, stating they lacked the necessary aggressiveness against a USC team that often plays tough and physical basketball.
Desmond Claude of USC was the standout performer, scoring 31 points, driving home the point that Illinois struggled to defend effectively. Underwood admitted that the team was flat, a comment echoed by former player and broadcaster Deon Thomas, who noted the Illini’s overall lack of energy during the game.
In assessing the broader implications of the game, Underwood conceded that their pre-game preparations were insufficient, suggesting that more rigorous shootarounds might be necessary going forward. He also suggested that reserve players who could bring energy might need more opportunities to play.
Despite the loss, the Illini remain competitive in the Big Ten with a record of 12-4 overall and 4-2 in the conference. They are scheduled to face Indiana next, and with Underwood’s emphasis on improving mental focus and effort, fans hope to see a more resilient performance from the Fighting Illini in their upcoming games.
In summary, this loss highlighted the need for Illinois to reassess their preparation and mindset as they move forward in the season. A positive takeaway is Underwood’s commitment to addressing these issues, which could lead to a stronger rebound in their next matchup.