CHICAGO, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois men's basketball was handed their first loss of the season after a battle with Alabama last night in the United Center.
The Illini came out in the first half looking confident taking a one-point lead into the half against the Tide but in the second half came out slow shooting 45% from the field and 9-17 from the free throw line.
Some good news for Illinois though despite the loss is they look to be getting back to fully healthy with Mihailo Petrovic playing in his first game for the Orange and Blue and Tomi returning to the rotation after injuries.
Underwood and players after the game said there is a lot to take away from this game when it comes to watching film and preparing for the rest of their ranked matchups in non conference and a tough big 10 conference.
And while it wasn't the outcome Illini fans wanted they did show up and were loud the entire 40 minutes of play.
Just under 18,000 people filled the United Center Wedenesday which was the complete opposite of Illinois last game at the United Center seven years ago.
Underwood said he soaked it all in to see how the program has turned around from when he first got to Champaign and thanks the fans for their support home or away.
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