After a 1-6 stretch, the Illini were looking for something — anything — to get them back in the win column in Big Ten play. A road trip to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights was just what the doctor had ordered.
With some lackluster play from its starters, Illinois found what it needed in its bench from Michael Finke and Aaron Jordan. Those two combined for 34 points off the bench and outscored every starter in what would be a tougher matchup than anticipated from fans.
Aaron Jordan was asked after the game if they had found some motivation for this matchup in their desire to stay out of last place in the Big Ten.