- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Illinois Coach Brad Underwood's In-Game Decisions Questioned After Loss to Michigan State
Underwood's subpar coaching down the stretch could cost Illinois again, raising concerns about their national title hopes.
Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:47am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Illinois' loss to Michigan State has raised questions about head coach Brad Underwood's in-game coaching abilities. While Underwood excels at recruiting, roster-building, and motivation, his X's and O's and critical decision-making in key moments have been lacking. The Illini are a supremely talented team, but to win a national title, they need Underwood to find answers when the going gets tough.
Why it matters
Illinois is a top contender for the national championship, but their hopes may hinge on Underwood's ability to improve his in-game coaching. His decisions and inability to make the right adjustments have cost the Illini in close games, and if that trend continues, it could prevent them from reaching their full potential.
The details
In the loss to Michigan State, Underwood made several head-scratching decisions, such as having the 7'2" Zvonimir Ivisic guard the Spartans' best perimeter threat, Kur Teng, on the final possession of regulation. The Illini also struggled with rebounding and transition defense, areas that Underwood's game plan failed to address effectively. While Illinois got open looks, the shots didn't fall, and Underwood didn't draw up a set play to get a crucial bucket when needed.
- On February 7, 2026, Illinois lost to Michigan State in East Lansing.
- The loss ended Illinois' 12-game winning streak.
The players
Brad Underwood
The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team, known for his strengths in recruiting and roster-building but criticized for his in-game coaching decisions.
Keaton Wagler
A freshman standout for the Illinois Fighting Illini who had an off shooting night against Michigan State.
Kylan Boswell
Illinois' go-to problem-solver who was out of the lineup for the Michigan State game.
Jeremy Fears Jr.
The lead guard for the Michigan State Spartans, who had a tremendous game against Illinois with 26 points and 15 assists.
Zvonimir Ivisic
The 7'2" center for the Illinois Fighting Illini who was tasked with guarding Michigan State's top perimeter threat, Kur Teng, in a questionable defensive assignment by Underwood.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
