CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Despite a defeat to Arkansas, Illini pride was strong Thursday among fans of the University of Illinois men's basketball team, who headed to Joe's on Weed Street to watch the game.
For Illini fans like Brandon Havrilka, the game against Arkansas was a whole-day affair.
"(I) took the day off work, wanted to come celebrate and watch Illinois in the dance again,” Harilka said.
It was also a big day for U of I alum Nico Turla.
"Even when I was a student, I was in Orange Krush, so this is something that hits me really personally. I have a lot of student spirit all the time, and I always go out to watch all the games with my buddies. It's a big bonding experience for us. I absolutely love it,” Turla said.
Jane Knight graduated from Illinois last year, she said though she isn't the biggest sports fan, she's up for any opportunity to cheer on her alma mater.
“Watching sports games in a bar with a beer and a pretzel is one of the best things in life. Watching sports games in bars, especially when it's the Illini, is one of my favorite things to do,” said Knight.
Illinois ended up falling to Arkansas, with a final score of 73-63.
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