Illinois Fighting Illini: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Can Illinois Still Earn a No. 1 Seed in the NCAA Tournament? What Needs to Happen

Every Division I college basketball program, in theory, is aiming for the No. 1 overall seed heading into the NCAA Tournament. The idea is that the designation gives a club the “easiest” path from the Round of 64 to the national championship game.

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Where College Basketball's Top Experts Rank Illinois After Indiana Win

After Illinois saw its 12-game win streak snapped by Michigan State, the expectation was the Illini would return to Champaign with some extra motivation for their next matchup.

Preview: Illinois Women's Basketball vs. Rutgers

After nearly a week away from game action, Illinois returns to the floor hoping to be refreshed for the final push of the regular season. The Illini (17-8,

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 15

Illinois Rediscovers Its Lost Identity to Batter Indiana on the Boards

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.

Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 15

Brad Underwood Implies Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic Could Miss More Time

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 Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 15

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball's Bounce-Back Win Over Indiana

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.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 15

Three Instant Observations From Illinois Basketball's 71-51 Win Over Indiana

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.

Watch: Indiana at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Basketball | 02/15/2026

Big Ten Battle in Champaign: Can Indiana Slow Down No. 8 Illinois?

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.

Kylan Boswell News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 14

Why Illinois Desperately Needs Andrej Stojakovic, Kylan Boswell Back for Indiana

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 Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 13

Why Illinois Presents So Many Concerns for Indiana's Darian DeVries

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.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 13

3 Things to Watch When Illinois Basketball Hosts Indiana

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.

Built for March: Why Illinois Could Cut Down the Nets

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.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 12

The Formula That Will Halt Illinois Basketball's Two-Game Skid

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.

Watch: Wisconsin at Illinois | HIGHLIGHTS | Big Ten Women's Basketball | 02/11/2026

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / February 10

Why Illinois’ February Loss Fits a National Championship Trend

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.