UCLA’s defense was too pliable in enabling the Illini to shoot 50.9% on the way to ending the Bruins’ seven-game winning streak. A big issue was the UCLA guards’ inability to stay in front of their man, leading to them repeatedly getting beat off the dribble.

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

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.