After a win over Michigan on Sunday, the Illini impressed their coach with their ability to bounce back from a low point

Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood revealed how his team has grown from their blowout loss to Duke a few weeks ago. The Fighting Illini picked up another critical Big Ten win on Friday, this time over No.

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood recently voiced severe disappointment with his team’s performance during an embarrassing losing streak. Brad Underwood Talks About How Tough Losing Is No.

Despite railing to beat Purdue for the first time since the onset of the global pandemic, Illinois might take a step back ahead of the Big Ten Tournament.

But after Illinois was dragged through the mud by No. 3 Duke on Saturday in New York, tagged with the worst loss in program history in a 110-67 blowout, the question was posed to Illini coach Brad Underwood in the postgame press conference: Is this team tough enough?

And even though Flagg further showcased he is ready for the next level Saturday in New York City, Illinois coach Brad Underwood made a pitch to convince the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA draft to stay in college. REQUIRED READING ...

Duke basketball star Cooper Flagg is urged to stay in school by a rival coach. Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood is in awe of Flagg.

Underwood was referring to the thrashing Illinois received from Duke in Madison Square Garden just the previous weekend. Now, with the Illini returning to full health, they can start to make the noise they would have been making all along if not for the setbacks. Illinois is preparing for a deep run in March.

Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood watched Saturday night as his team took the worst loss in program history. The Fighting Illini got shellacked by the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden. Duke whipped Illinois 110-67.

Illinois' 20-point win Sunday in Ann Arbor was more significant than just impending NCAA Tournament implications.