Illinois is headed to the NIT quarterfinals. The Fighting Illini advanced with a 71-56 home win over Boise State in the second round. Tracy Abrams had 18 points for Illinois, which outscored the Broncos 38-to-22 in the second half. The Illini will face Central Florida in the quarterfinals tomorrow night in Florida.
Illinois State is out of the NIT. The Redbirds blew a 13-point halftime lead and lost 63-62 at home to Central Florida in the quarterfinals. B.J. Taylor hit two free throws with 1.3 seconds left to lift UCF to victory. Deontae Hawkins had 15 points for Illinois State, which finishes the season 28-and-7.
