There’s a growing pattern in Illinois basketball’s toughest losses this season — and it centers around David Mirković. When the stretch forward is aggressive, efficient, and engaged, the Illini look like a Final Four contender. When he struggles, the offense shrinks and Illinois becomes vulnerable in ways the record doesn’t fully reflect. In this episode we break down the data from the Alabama, UConn, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and UCLA losses to examine whether this is coincidence or something structural within the roster. Is Mirković the true swing piece for Illinois’ March ceiling? Let’s dive into the numbers and the film. 

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