News Summary
In a charity exhibition game, the Illinois Fighting Illini faced a setback against the No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels, losing 91-74. Despite notable performances from new players, Illinois struggled with turnovers and defensive issues. This game supported CASA of North Mississippi, highlighting community engagement. As they gear up for the regular season, Coach Brad Underwood’s concerns about team performance loom as the Illini look forward to their upcoming opener.
Oxford, Mississippi – The Illinois Fighting Illini faced a tough challenge on October 27, 2024, as they lost to the No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels in a charity exhibition game with a final score of 91-74 at the SJB Pavilion. This game was organized as a warm-up for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The exhibition game supported a worthy cause, with ticket sales, priced at $20 for general admission, benefiting CASA of North Mississippi. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides advocacy for abused and neglected children involved in youth court proceedings, emphasizing the community-centered approach of the event.
This year’s exhibition markedly contrasted with the previous year, where Illinois secured a victory against the then-No. 1 Kansas and raised approximately $825,000 for wildfire relief. Coach Brad Underwood’s strategy in this year’s matchup allowed him to assess the depth of his team, with 13 players seeing action and 10 making their Illinois debuts.
Game Overview and Player Highlights
Illinois started the game with notable performances from new players. Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, Tomislav Ivisic, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Tre White all took the floor as starters for the Fighting Illini, showcasing the team’s fresh talent.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led Illinois in scoring with 15 points off the bench, shooting a commendable 6-for-10 from the field and 3-for-6 from three-point range. Jakucionis also made a significant impact, contributing 12 points alongside 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block. Ivisic matched Jakucionis with his own 12 points, while adding 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
Despite these individual efforts, Illinois struggled with turnovers, committing 22 during the game. Ole Miss capitalized on this, scoring 25 points off of those turnovers. The Illini trailed significantly at halftime, with the score standing at 51-35 after Ole Miss surged to a lead of 41-19 at one point in the first half.
Coaching Concerns and Upcoming Challenges
Following the game, Coach Brad Underwood expressed concerns regarding the team’s defensive performance, highlighting the need for improvement as they prepare for the regular season. The Illini will kick off their official season on November 4, 2024, at State Farm Center against Eastern Illinois, with the game set to start at 7 p.m. CT.
Illinois comes into the season projected to finish fourth in the Big Ten Conference and currently ranks No. 26 in the AP poll. The team faces notable challenges this year, having lost four of five starters from last season, including first-round NBA draft pick Terrance Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins.
New Faces and Future Outlook
Illinois has bolstered its roster with several new players, including transfers from the portal such as Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, Tre White, Carey Booth, and Jake Davis, along with international freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic.
As they prepare for the season, Illinois will face a rigorous non-conference schedule, featuring multiple ranked opponents that will test the depth and resilience of the newly formed team. Ole Miss’s victory in this exhibition showcased their own strengths, with standout performances from players like Sean Pedulla, who scored 18 points, and Brakefield, who recorded 15 points and 8 rebounds.
The Fighting Illini will need to regroup and refine their strategy before their regular-season opener, aiming to bounce back from this defeat as they look forward to their future matchups.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rebels Rise to No. 9 in College Football Playoff Rankings Following Week Off!
Illinois Fighting Illini Face Ole Miss in Exciting Exhibition Showdown
Excitement Brewing in Oxford as Ole Miss Rebels Basketball Prepares to Make Waves
Lincoln: Illinois Pulls Off Stunning Overtime Upset Over Nebraska 31-24
Additional Resources
- Illinois Fighting Illini Official Site
- Ole Miss Sports Official Site
- NewsChannel20
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: Illinois Fighting Illini basketball
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
