Illinois didn’t shoot it well in Sunday's 71-51 win over Indiana, a statement that contains a couple of ideas that wouldn't seem to align. The Illini went just 7-for-31 (22.6 percent) from three-point range and missed a total of 37 shots from the field – yet they won by 20.
In Illinois’ loss to Michigan State on Feb. 7, wing Andrej Stojakovic appeared to roll his ankle, but any long-term concerns were quickly whisked away as he then proceeded to play 35 minutes against the Spartans – and 35 really effective minutes, at that.
Illinois desperately needed a response. After dropping two straight games and watching its momentum stall, the Illini returned home Sunday knowing that a matchup against Indiana was less about style points and more about reestablishing who they are.
It's a wonder what a little R&R and an extra helping hand – even just the left one – can do for a basketball team.Illinois was coming off its longest break in weeks and welcomed the return of Kylan Boswell from a fractured right hand on Sunday, and it showed in a razor-sharp 71-51 win over Indiana at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Sunday afternoon in Champaign brings a pivotal Big Ten showdown as Indiana travels to face No. 8 Illinois at the State Farm Center. Illinois enters at 20–5 overall and 11–3 in conference play, firmly in the hunt near the top of the league standings.
Senior guard Kylan Boswell , who has been out since mid-January because of a fractured hand, is the second-leading scorer for Illinois – yet his club hasn’t missed a beat on that side of the floor during his absence. On defense, though, it has been an entirely different story.
Illinois' success this season stems from balance, versatility and size, traits that pose challenges for any opponent. Then there's freshman Keaton Wagler , who has taken over some games and been a steadying presence in nearly all others.
No. 8 Illinois (20-4, 11-2 Big Ten) has had a much more successful season than Indiana (17-8, 8-6) so far, but recent results create a bit more intrigue ahead of Sunday's noon CT tip-off in Champaign.The Illini have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season, while the Hoosiers' 5-1 record since Jan.
After years of improvement and five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the Illinois Fighting Illini are set to make a run during March Madness. With strong leadership under head coach Brad Underwood, elite playmaking at every position, and a deep bench, Illinois has a realistic chance to cut down the nets when it’s all said and done in April.
Less than five days ago, Illini Nation was riding high, reveling in the comforting fact that its pride and joy – Illinois basketball – hadn’t lost a game since before the New Year and was operating at a higher level than perhaps any other team in the country.
Winning every game is great work when you can find it. But it’s also not realistic – especially in the Big Ten and especially in February. Eventually, even the best teams run into a night when they don't have their best, the fortunate breaks disappear and the result doesn’t go their way.
The Illinois women's basketball team continues its home stand Wednesday against Wisconsin (6 p.m. CT, Big Ten+) with the goal of steadying the ship, as back-to-back losses – and four defeats in five games – have tested the Illini's momentum.
By SwimSwam on SwimSwam February 7, 2026 Champaign, Ill. SCY (25 yards) Results Courtesy: Illinois Athletics CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois swim and dive defeated Eastern Illinois, 157-77, on Saturday afternoon, concluding its home schedule for the 2025-26 season with a resounding victory.
At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, Illinois freshman David Mirkovic has been described at times as a point forward. A point guard in his younger days, Mirkovic clearly has (some) of the skills and instincts that usually come with the package.
Two of the Big Ten’s top programs collide in Lincoln as Illinois visits Nebraska in a matchup that feels like a postseason preview. Both teams sit near the top of the conference, and both bring contrasting strengths: Illinois’ scoring punch versus Nebraska’s defensive discipline.