Illini Kick Off Big Ten Play Tuesday Against Ohio State
No. 13 Illinois is set to commence its Big Ten season on Tuesday against Ohio State. This matchup takes place at Value City Arena, marking the 195th meeting in a historic rivalry that dates back over a century.
Historical Context and Series Overview
Illinois leads the all-time series against Ohio State with a record of 112-82. However, the Buckeyes have a slight edge in games played on their home court, holding a 50-44 record in Columbus. The Fighting Illini have seen success recently, winning six of the last eight encounters, including three of the last five games in Columbus.
Recent Performance
Illinois enters this game following a solid victory over No. 13 Tennessee, winning 75-62 on December 6. Under head coach Brad Underwood, the team has achieved a commendable 281-130 career record and has secured 29 wins against ranked opponents since the 2019-20 season.
Key Players to Watch
- Kylan Boswell: The senior guard leads the team with an impressive average of 17.0 points per game, making him the only Big Ten player with at least 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
- Andrej Stojakovic: A junior guard, he averages 14.9 points and has stepped up with significant scoring performances this season.
- David Mirkovic: This freshman is making waves with averages of 13.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, ranking high in the Big Ten for both categories.
- Tomislav Ivisic: The junior contributes significantly, averaging 11.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, and has shown consistent scoring in recent games.
- Keaton Wagler: Another standout player, he has averaged 13.8 points and demonstrated his capabilities with standout performances.
Team Statistics
Illinois has been a dominant force early in the season, averaging 88.7 points per game, which places them among the top three in the Big Ten. This scoring output puts them on track to join an elite group of teams that have averaged over 88 points per game historically.
Defensive and Rebounding Strengths
The team also excels defensively and on the boards. They currently average 43.0 rebounds per game, rank second in fouls committed per game, and boast a +19.3 scoring margin.
Looking Ahead
After the Ohio State game, Illinois will play another Big Ten matchup against No. 23 Nebraska before closing their nonconference schedule against Missouri on December 22. With strong performances and key players, the Fighting Illini aim to start their Big Ten journey on a high note.
