Illinois secured a 75-66 victory over Washington Huskies in a game marked by impressive performances from freshmen and some concerning inconsistencies among upperclassmen. Freshman Keaton Wagler was outstanding, scoring 22 points, dishing out 8 assists, and demonstrating exceptional basketball IQ, making him a standout player and potential NBA Draft prospect. David Mirkovic also contributed significantly with 19 points and six rebounds, providing much-needed scoring consistency. Conversely, Andrej Stojakovic struggled, finishing with only 8 points on 4-of-11 shooting and often forcing plays rather than letting the game flow naturally. Ben Humrichous played a crucial role off the bench, scoring 14 points mainly through three-pointers, helping Illinois extend their lead in critical moments. Despite the win, Illinois played with some complacency, only winning by nine points and receiving limited production from non-freshman starters, highlighting the need for more consistent upperclassman contributions. The game underscored Illinois' reliance on freshmen, especially Wagler and Mirkovic, as they aim to maintain their winning streak amid questions about depth and performance from veteran players. Washington, led by international star Hannes Steinbach, faces a tough challenge against Illinois’ potent offense, which excels in three-point shooting, rebounding, and free throw accuracy, though their lack of depth and tendency to foul could be exploited. The Huskies will need to minimize turnovers and capitalize on their shooting to stay competitive in upcoming games.