The Illini won back-to-back games for the first time since early January, firming up their NCAA Tournament resume

UCLA’s defense was too pliable in allowing the Illini to shoot 50.9% on the way to ending the Bruins’ seven-game winning streak. Illinois was also the far tougher team, outrebounding UCLA (18-7 overall, 9-5 Big Ten) by 13 while also grabbing 10 offensive rebounds.

This post was updated Feb. 11 at 9:08 p.m. It seemed as if nothing went the Bruins’ way Tuesday night as a missed defensive rebound stifled a second-half comeback.