Key Highlights
- #20 Illinois (9-3, 1-1 B1G) hosts Southern (4-8, 0-0 SWAC) in a Monday matinee at State Farm Center.
- The game marks the only nonconference matchup for Illinois this season and closes out the 2025 calendar year.
- Illinois is coming off a dominant 91-48 victory over rival Missouri to push their Braggin’ Rights winning streak to three years in a row.
- The Illini have five players averaging double figures in scoring, with Keaton Wagler leading at 15.7 points per game.
Illinois Basketball: A Season of Excellence
#20 Illinois (9-3, 1-1 B1G) is preparing to host Southern (4-8, 0-0 SWAC) in a Monday matinee at State Farm Center. The matchup will be the only nonconference game for the Illini this season and concludes their 2025 calendar year.
Illinois enters the game on a high note after defeating rival Missouri 91-48 to extend their Braggin’ Rights winning streak to three years in a row. The 43-point margin of victory is the largest in the history of the Illinois-Missouri series, marking an impressive start to the season for the Fighting Illini.
Key Players and Statistics
The Illinois offense features five players averaging double figures in scoring: Keaton Wagler (15.7), Andrej Stojakovic (15.5), Kylan Boswell (15.3 ppg), David Mirkovic (13.3), and Tomislav Ivisic (10.4). This group ties for the third-most in the nation behind Baylor and Michigan, which both have six players averaging double figures.
Brad Underwood, now in his 9th season as head coach, is leading Illinois to success. The Fighting Illini are currently ranked #20 in the latest AP poll and #19 in the coaches’ poll. They have reached a high of #8 under Underwood’s tenure, which began in 2017-18.
Game Expectations
The game is set for Monday, December 29, 2025, at State Farm Center with a tip-off time of 2 p.m. Central Time. The broadcast will be on the Big Ten Network, featuring Noah Reed and Jordan Taylor.
Fans can also stream the game live via FoxSports.com/live/btn or listen to it on Busey Bank Illini Sports Network.
Underwood’s team is expected to showcase their strength in both offense and defense. With an overall kenpom rating of 35th or better each of the last six years, Illinois remains a formidable force in college basketball. The Fighting Illini have had consecutive top-20 rankings in 2023-24 (10th) and 2024-25 (17th).
On the horizon for Illinois is a busy Big Ten schedule, with games against Penn State on Saturday, January 3. The Illini are looking to continue their impressive start and maintain their position in the conference standings.
