In the two games missed by Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis leading into Tuesday's road matchup with Indiana, the Illini learned that they didn't necessarily need their dynamic freshman guard to survive. But they were also reminded how much better life is with him in the lineup.

Kasparas Jakucionis made a tiebreaking layup with 32 seconds left, and No. 22 Illinois survived a furious comeback bid by Washington to squeak out an 81-77 victory Sunday at Alaska Airlines arena.

No. 19 Illinois (13-4, 5-2 Big Ten) will visit Breslin Center for Sunday’s noon tip. The Fighting Illini are the highest-rated team Michigan State has faced since Kansas in the Champions Classic, led by star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis. Both he and Illinois will be a major test for the Spartans.

Freshman point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who missed Illinois' previous two games because of a left forearm strain, returned to the lineup Tuesday against Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana. Jakucionis didn't just suit up but also staked the No.

Illini Inquirer basketball analyst Mike LaTulip discusses what Kasparas Jakucionis' big return in a win at Indiana said about the freshman guard's impact on Illinois basketball.