The Illinois Fighting Illini, ranked fifth nationally, achieved their twelfth consecutive win with a commanding 84-44 victory over Northwestern. This impressive performance highlighted Illinois's formidable offensive prowess and stifling defense, extending their dominant run in the conference.
The game, held in Champaign, Illinois, saw Andrej Stojakovic emerge as the leading scorer for the Illini, contributing 17 points. His performance was part of a balanced team effort, with five Illinois players reaching double-digit scores. The team's offensive strategy was characterized by exceptional long-range shooting and fluid ball distribution, which enabled them to build an early and insurmountable lead.
Illinois's effectiveness from beyond the arc was a key factor in their success, as they sank 17 three-pointers throughout the contest. Ben Humrichous, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Keaton Wagler each contributed 13 points, with each player making three treys. David Mirkovic was particularly accurate from long range, hitting four three-pointers to add 12 points to the scoreboard. This collective sharpshooting translated into a remarkable 48.3% field goal percentage for the Illini, coupled with 20 assists on 28 made baskets, showcasing their excellent teamwork.
Conversely, Northwestern faced significant challenges on offense, managing a mere 29.2% shooting from the field. Their struggles were particularly evident from three-point range, where they started by missing 15 of their first 16 attempts and finished with a dismal 4-of-25. Nick Martinelli, Northwestern's top scorer, was limited to just four points on 2-for-10 shooting, significantly below his season average. Tre Singleton and Jayden Reid were the leading contributors for the Wildcats, with eight and seven points, respectively.
Illinois's dominance was not limited to scoring. Tomislav Ivisic grabbed 12 rebounds, contributing to a significant plus-27 advantage on the glass for the Illini. He also matched Wagler with five assists, further demonstrating the team's all-around strength. The Illini took control of the game after an early 7-5 deficit, embarking on a 25-2 run that included numerous three-pointers from various players, effectively sealing the outcome early in the first half.
By halftime, Illinois had established a commanding 47-19 lead, largely due to their 51.7% shooting accuracy and 11 three-pointers in the first half. Wagler's buzzer-beating three-pointer from midcourt further energized the home crowd, underscoring the team's comprehensive performance. This victory marked Illinois's first sweep of Northwestern since the 2021-22 season and extended their winning streak against their in-state rivals in Champaign to ten consecutive games, solidifying their position as a dominant force in collegiate basketball.