Overview
- The win is Illinois’ sixth straight, moving the Illini to 14-3 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten, matching their best 17-game start since 2012-13.
- Freshman Keaton Wagler, who dealt with pregame back spasms, scored 20 of his 22 points after halftime.
- Tomislav Ivišić tied his season high with 21 points and hit two late 3-pointers that sealed the result.
- Kylan Boswell contributed 13 points and six assists, and coach Brad Underwood praised his defense on Nick Martinelli.
- Northwestern dropped to 8-9 and 0-6 in conference play despite Jayden Reid’s career-high 28 points off the bench.