Jan. 15 -- Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 12 points in 16 minutes Tuesday night against Indiana. It was less than he played in Saturday's loss to USC -- Jakucionis' return the difference -- but the sophomore guard has established himself in a significant role off the bench this season and produced at a high level in the more limited opportunity.

Still, it's a far cry from the sporadic playing time he got last season and even in a couple moments last month. His 12 points against Indiana marked his fourth game in double figures in his last six.

"I've always said whatever role I've got, I'm going to take it," Gibbs-Lawhorn said. "Now that my role is up there a little bit more -- revolving around more minutes, more opportunity -- I'm excited to take that step for sure."

Three Indiana natives on the Illinois roster -- Gibbs-Lawhorn (Lafayette), Ben Humrichous (Tipton) and Jake Davis (McCordsville) -- is a rarity. Especially when you consider the Illini went three decades between snaring players from across the border. Scott Hafner signed with Illinois in 1984, and Jalen Coleman-Lands was the next in 2015.

Did that make Tuesday's game any bigger of a deal? Not really. Illinois coach Brad Underwood called it "one of 20."

"We just look at it as another game, another step forward to our journey, to our process, and that's to win a national championships," Gibbs-Lawhorn said.

Gibbs-Lawhorn did say there was some conversation before the game with the newcomers on the team (most of the players) about another opportunity on the road in Big Ten play.

"Trying to get them prepared for the environment," he said. "Especially Indiana. IU fans are crazy."