The Illini fared better in 2017 , finishing 20 – 15 , 8 – 10 . The team did win four in a row toward the end of the season leading to talks of an NCAA Tournament bid , but a loss at Rutgers in the final regular season game likely ended their Tournament hopes . On March 11 , 2017 , John Groce was relieved of his duties , two days after the Illini lost its Big Ten Tournament opening-round game to Michigan . Following Groce 's dismissal , the Illini advanced to the NIT quarterfinals before losing to UCF . He was eventually replaced by Oklahoma State head coach , Brad Underwood
Big Ten Tournament
2017 Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Tournament
John Groce