Indiana basketball: Xavier Johnson given technical foul for tossing ball at Illinois player

Indiana sixth-year guard Xavier Johnson was assessed a technical foul at the end of the first half Saturday against No. 11 Illinois.

Xavier, who was ejected from a Jan. 9 game vs. Rutgers for hitting the groin of an opponent, got a putback basket, then threw the ball at Illinois' Coleman Hawkins. The ball hit him in the head.

More: IU hangs tough vs. No. 11 Illinois but can't shoot 3s (made 0) — or free throws (missed 10)

The two traded words, and Johnson was given the technical.

Marcus Domask hit two free throws, giving Illinois a 40-34 lead.

After the Jan. 9 game, Johnson came off the bench for three games before returning to the starting lineup Saturday. He had 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists at halftime as IU trailed 38-34.

Updates: Indiana basketball takes on No. 11 Illinois

Doyel: Johnson is struggling, and the outside world is just piling on

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball vs. Illinois: Xavier Johnson given technical foul