Basketball

Nov 20, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Illinois forward Will Riley (7) attempts to block a shot by Alabama center Clifford Omoruyi (11) in the CM Newton Classic at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Instant Analysis: Alabama Takes Down Illinois 100-87

After taking the Tide's best shot in the first half, the Illini fight back – but fall short

Basketball

Instant Analysis: Alabama Takes Down Illinois 100-87

After taking the Tide's best shot in the first half, the Illini fight back – but fall short

Recent Articles

Illinois players huddle up on the floor of the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, during last week's win over Oakland.

Basketball

Top 5 Must-Watch Matchups for Illinois Basketball in 2024-25

With Alabama up Wednesday night, the Illini finally sink their teeth into the meat of a hearty schedule

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) reacts during the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

3 Big Questions for Illinois Basketball vs. Alabama

We should know plenty more about this Illinois squad after Wednesday's matchup with No. 8 Alabama

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini fans during the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Signs Four-Star Guard Brandon Lee

A 6-foot-4 guard from Hillside, New Jersey, Lee became the newest Illini when he signed Tuesday

Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dunks the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois' Top 5 Non-Con Wins of Brad Underwood Era – With Alabama Looming

The No. 25 Illini face the No. 8 Crimson Tide as heavy underdogs on Wednesday night

Nov 11, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) drives the ball down the court against the McNeese State Cowboys during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball vs. Alabama: Scouting the Crimson Tide

The Illini face their first significant test of the season on Wednesday against No. 8 Alabama

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) blocks Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Buru Naivalurua (12) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Enters Rankings in New AP Top 25 Poll

The Illini are 25th heading into a huge test at No. 8 Alabama on Wednesday

Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Kylan Boswell vs. Mark Sears: Key Matchup in Illinois Basketball vs. Alabama

With two elites of their craft facing one another, who has the edge – and who sparks his team to a win?

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) blocks out Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Buru Naivalurua (12) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Alabama (Game 4)

In their first major test of the season, the Illini are set to travel to Birmingham to take on the Tide

Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) and Eastern Illinois Panthers forward Cooper Jacobi (40) during game at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Play of the Week: Ben Humrichous' Putback Slam

Known for his shooting, the Illini transfer forward showed he can play above the rim, too

Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) and Purdue Boilermakers guard Myles Colvin (5) box out Alabama Crimson Tide forward Derrion Reid (35) Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, during the NCAA men’s basketball game at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Will Face Alabama Coming Off Upset Loss to Purdue

After the Boilers beat the Crimson Tide 87-78 in West Lafayette on Friday, the Illini will take Bama's best shot

Basketball

Phoenix Gill, Son of Illini Legend Kendall Gill, Signs With Northwestern

A 6-foot-2 combo guard, Phoenix has made Orange-and-Blue-bleeding Kendall a Wildcats dad

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) defends Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Jayson Goodrich (11) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Why the Struggles of Illinois Basketball's Kasparas Jakucionis May Be Over

The Illini freshman hit a wall against Oakland, but one prominent voice says that's a one-and-done situation

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood applauds the crowd before a against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Signs Four-Star Guard Keaton Wagler

The 6-foot-6 senior guard from Shawnee, Kansas, Wagler officially signed with the Illini on Thursday

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Grades: Analysis vs. Oakland (Game 3)

The Illini handled their work against the Golden Grizzlies, but Individual performances varied wildly Wednesday

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Allen Mukeba (23) attempt to get a loose ball during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

3 Key Numbers from Illinois Basketball's Win Over Oakland

An examination of the numbers that help explain the Illini's hard-fought (and somehwat humbling) 66-54 victory

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Allen Mukeba (23) pressures Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Instant Analysis: Illinois Basketball Grinds Out 66-54 Win Over Oakland

The Illini scratched, clawed and occasionally stumbled Wednesday – and it may have been the best thing for them

Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) reacts in the first half against the Morehead State Eagles during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Basketball

WATCH: Illinois G Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn Steals and Slams vs. Oakland

The electric sophomore guard has helped the Illini build a 36-29 halftime lead over the Golden Grizzlies

Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

3 Big Questions for Illinois Basketball vs. Oakland

As dominant as the Illini have been through two games, there are always questions to be answered

Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Carey Booth (0) and Eastern Illinois Panthers guard Nakyel Shelton (3) battle for position during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Oakland (Game 3)

The Illini are firing on all cylinders as they open the doors to the State Farm Center to Oakland on Wednesday

Oct 20, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies guard Jaylen Jones (1) dribbles while defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Phat Phat Brooks (8) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball vs. Oakland: Scouting the Golden Grizzlies

Learn more about the Illini's Wednesday opponent, a 2023-24 NCAA Tournament squad that is starting fresh

Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tre White (22) drives the ball as Eastern Illinois Panthers guard Malik Olafioye (11) guards him during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

'It Feels Like the League': Illinois Basketball Has NBA Flavor

A new, long-bodied and deep-shooting Illini roster have a pro-style offensive identity

Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) searches for an opening against SIU-Edwardsville in the Illini's 90-58 win Friday at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Play of the Week: Kasparas Jakucionis Sets the Tone

The Illini freshman guard dished his way to a record against SIUE, showing rare mastery on plays like this

Nov 8, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) drives against SIU Edwardsville Cougars guard Brian Taylor II (11) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Guard Will Riley Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

After Riley's record-setting 31-point debut, it was hard to overlook him for weekly freshman honors

Nov 8, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) shoots the ball over SIU Edwardsville Cougars forward Jo Valrie (33) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois Basketball Misses AP Top 25 Ranking By a Whisker

The Illini are 26th – first among “others receiving votes” – in the latest poll, released Monday