Thu Feb 06 03:20:00 UTC 2025: **No. 23 Illinois Illini Head to Rutgers for Road Test**

PISCATAWAY, NJ – The No. 23 Illinois Fighting Illini (14-8, 7-5 Big Ten) face a tough road test against Rutgers (16-9, 9-6 Big Ten) on Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CT on BTN. This game marks the first of back-to-back road contests for the Illini, who are currently riding a wave of momentum fueled by a strong performance from their freshman class.

Freshmen Will Riley and Morez Johnson Jr. have been instrumental in Illinois’ recent success. Riley earned his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award after averaging 20 points and 3.5 rebounds over the past week, including a 24-point performance against Ohio State – the most by a freshman reserve in a Big Ten game this season. Johnson has contributed three double-doubles, most recently a 14-point, 15-rebound effort against the Buckeyes.

Illinois boasts the nation’s top rebounding team, leading in rebounds per game (45.5), defensive rebounds (31.8), and rebound margin (+11.7). Their success isn’t limited to rebounding; they’re also tied for fifth nationally with six Quad 1 wins and rank No. 12 in the NCAA NET rankings and No. 13 in KenPom. The Illini’s high-scoring offense, averaging 85.3 points per game – their highest since the 1988-89 season – is another key factor in their strong showing.

Head coach Brad Underwood holds a commanding 9-3 record against Rutgers, with Illinois winning five of the last six matchups. While the Illini are 3-3 in Big Ten road games this season, they have a strong historical record in Big Ten road games since the start of the 2019-20 season, boasting the best mark in the league.

The Illini’s success is further highlighted by the contributions of freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who has received several midseason awards and is averaging 15.6 points per game, along with sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic’s near double-double averages. Eight different Illini players have achieved 20-point games this season. Despite significant roster turnover from last year’s Elite Eight team, newcomers have accounted for 91.3% of the team’s scoring.

This matchup promises a compelling contest between two competitive Big Ten teams, with Illinois looking to continue their strong season and extend their winning streak against Rutgers.

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