CHAMPAIGN — Kipper Nichols capped his first full season at Illinois with the best game of his college career.
The 6-foot-6 forward put up 31 points in the Illini's Big Ten tournament loss to Iowa, knocking down 5 of 9 three-pointers in the process.
Nichols' full offensive game was on display in New York City at Madison Square Garden. Basketball's biggest stage wasn't too big.
Thinking back on Nichols' season-ending performance a month-plus later, Brad Underwood instead focused on the two charges the Cleveland native drew against the Hawkeyes.
That's what stood out the most for the Illinois coach.