Illinois vs. Indiana Preview: Illini Look to Bounce Back in Key Big Ten Clash
After back-to-back overtime heartbreakers, No. 8 Illinois returns to the floor Sunday with something to prove. The Illini (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten) are hosting Indiana (17-8, 8-6 Big Ten) at State Farm Center in Champaign, and while the matchup already carries weight in the Big Ten standings, it also offers Illinois a chance to reset and reassert its dominance.
Let’s break down what’s at stake, who to watch, and why this game matters more than your typical February conference tilt.
Illinois: Elite Offense, Searching for a Defensive Spark
Brad Underwood’s squad enters this one with one of the most explosive offenses college basketball has seen in decades. According to KenPom, Illinois is currently No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency - and not just for this season.
Their 130.7 rating is the highest in KenPom’s database, which goes back to 1997. That’s the kind of stat that turns heads and raises ceilings.
But even with that firepower, the Illini have dropped two straight, both in overtime: a 92-90 home loss to Wisconsin and an 85-82 defeat at Michigan State. In both games, Illinois put up points but struggled to get key stops late. Defensively, they rank 30th nationally - solid, but not elite - and that gap has been exposed in crunch time.
Injuries could also play a role Sunday. Underwood said guards Kylan Bowell (hand) and Andrej Stojakovic (ankle) will be game-time decisions. While Illinois has the depth to withstand short-term absences, both players bring versatility and scoring punch that would be missed against a surging Indiana team.
Still, the Illini are 20-5 overall - their best start since the 2008-09 season - and tied for second in the Big Ten at 11-3. That 14-game conference mark matches the best under Underwood, equaling the 2021-22 team that went on to win a share of the league title.
They’ll have some extra juice in the building, too. Former Illini standouts Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, both now NBA rookies after becoming the program’s first-ever one-and-done players, will be back on campus and in attendance. They were picked back-to-back at No. 20 and No. 21 in the 2025 NBA Draft and remain fan favorites in Champaign.
Indiana: Heating Up at the Right Time
Don’t let the Hoosiers’ 8-6 conference record fool you - this team is trending in the right direction. First-year head coach Darian DeVries has Indiana playing its best ball of the season, winning five of the last six, including statement victories over Wisconsin, UCLA, and No. 13 Purdue.
The most recent win? A 92-74 dismantling of Oregon, powered by a jaw-dropping 41-point performance from guard Lamar Wilkerson.
He’s been the engine for this Indiana offense, which currently ranks 33rd in adjusted efficiency. Defensively, they sit at 49th - not quite lockdown, but good enough when paired with their scoring surge.
DeVries, who came to Bloomington after one season at West Virginia and a successful six-year run at Drake, has quickly made his mark. His teams are known for toughness, tempo, and shot-making - and this group is starting to reflect that identity.
The challenge for Indiana is consistency away from Assembly Hall. They’re just 3-5 in true road games this season and 2-7 in Quad 1 matchups. Sunday’s tilt qualifies as a Quad 1 opportunity, and at No. 30 in the NET rankings, this is the kind of game that could significantly boost their NCAA Tournament résumé.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
Illinois leads the all-time series in Champaign, 55-35, and holds a slight edge overall in recent matchups. Underwood is 7-6 against Indiana, including wins in the last two meetings - most notably a 94-69 blowout in Bloomington last January.
But the Big Ten rarely offers easy wins, and this version of Indiana is far more dangerous than the one Illinois ran off the court a year ago.
What to Watch
- Pace and Space: Illinois thrives in transition and loves to spread the floor. Indiana will need to control tempo and limit second-chance points to stay close.
- Wilkerson vs. the Illini Defense: After dropping 41 on Oregon, Wilkerson is the hottest player on the floor.
Illinois will likely throw multiple looks at him - expect traps, hedges, and plenty of help defense.
- Health Watch: The availability of Bowell and Stojakovic could impact Illinois’ rotation and perimeter defense. If either sits, look for more minutes from the bench - and more pressure on the starters to carry the load.
- Momentum vs. Motivation: Indiana has momentum.
Illinois has motivation. Two straight overtime losses sting, especially when you're chasing a Big Ten title.
Expect the Illini to come out with urgency.
Betting Line
Illinois enters as a 10.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 151.5. The Illini are 15-10 against the spread this season, and while their offense can light up the scoreboard, Indiana’s recent surge makes this line a bit tricky.
Final Thought
This isn’t just another Big Ten game - it’s a measuring stick. For Illinois, it’s about bouncing back and proving they can close.
For Indiana, it’s a chance to show they belong in the upper tier of the conference. Two teams with different trajectories, but both with plenty to play for.
Tip-off can’t come soon enough.