Illinois Outlasts Rutgers in Overtime

PISCATAWAY, NJ – It wasn’t pretty, but Illinois found a way to get the job done, securing a 69-65 overtime victory against Rutgers.

Following Kendall Bostic’s standout performance earlier in the week, Genesis Bryant took center stage Thursday night, delivering a clutch performance. With just four seconds left in regulation, Bryant made a game-changing defensive play, stepping in to take a charge against Rutgers’ leading scorer, Kiyomi McMiller. That stop forced overtime, where the Illini ultimately prevailed.

Illinois (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten) entered the game looking to maintain momentum after a dominant win over Purdue. Despite dealing with injuries and fatigue from recent travel, they managed to grind out their fifth win in six games. Turnovers were a concern, as the Illini committed 17, but they found ways to respond under pressure.

Bryant led the way with 28 points, most of them coming in the second half and overtime. Kendall Bostic added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Adalia McKenzie helped seal the win late.

Illinois now turns its attention to a tough matchup on Sunday against No. 14 Maryland, continuing its East Coast road trip.

Key Performers:

• Genesis Bryant (ILL): 28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
• Kendall Bostic (ILL): 10 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
• Kiyomi McMiller (RU): 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists