CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — No. 11 Illinois continued its surge through Big Ten play Wednesday night, overpowering Maryland 89–70 at State Farm Center to improve to 16-3 overall and 7-1 in conference action.
The win marked Illinois’ eighth straight victory, matching the longest winning streak of the Brad Underwood era, and capped another dominant home performance as the Illini moved to 10-1 at State Farm Center this season. Illinois also posted its best start through 19 games in 17 seasons and its strongest Big Ten opening since the 2004–05 campaign.
Andrej Stojakovic delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 30 points while adding nine rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. It was the first 30-point game of his Illini career and the program’s first such outing in a regular-season Big Ten game this season. Stojakovic matched his career high with four three-pointers and set the tone early by making his first four shots from the field.
Illinois seized control late in the first half, closing the period on a decisive 25-4 run. The Illini held Maryland scoreless for more than three and a half minutes during that stretch and entered halftime with a commanding rebound advantage. Illinois finished the night outrebounding the Terrapins 47-31 and scored 20 second-chance points off 15 offensive rebounds.
The Illini knocked down 15 three-pointers, a season high in Big Ten play, and have now made at least 10 triples in five consecutive games. Illinois has hit double-digit three-pointers in a league-leading 14 games this season.
David Mirkovic contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Keaton Wagler added 13 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists to continue his consistent stretch of play. Jake Davis provided a spark off the perimeter with four three-pointers and 12 points, and Tomislav Ivisic filled the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
The victory was also notable for head coach Brad Underwood, who earned the 99th Big Ten win of his Illinois career, moving him one shy of becoming the third coach in program history to reach 100 league victories.
Illinois will look to carry its momentum on the road Saturday when it faces No. 4 Purdue in West Lafayette, a matchup that pits the two programs tied for the most Big Ten wins since the 2019–20 season.
