CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — No. 5 Illinois delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Wednesday night, overwhelming Northwestern 84-44 to extend its winning streak to 12 games and tighten its grip atop the Big Ten standings.
The Illini improved to 20-3 overall and 11-1 in conference play, marking the program’s best league start since the 2004-05 season. Illinois’ 40-point margin of victory was its largest in Big Ten play in 22 years, while the 44 points allowed were the fewest surrendered to a conference opponent since 2020.
After a brief early deficit, Illinois seized control with a decisive 25-2 run midway through the first half. The surge featured efficient shooting and perimeter fireworks, including seven three-pointers in a four-minute stretch. The Illini closed the opening half with 11 made triples, punctuated by Keaton Wagler’s buzzer-beating shot from beyond half court.
Illinois finished the night with 17 three-pointers and outrebounded Northwestern 50-23, continuing a season-long trend of physical dominance on the glass. The Illini also owned a 14-2 edge in second-chance points.
Andrej Stojakovic led Illinois with 17 points, going 9-for-10 at the free-throw line while adding four rebounds and two assists. Five Illini scored in double figures, including 13 points each from Wagler, Ben Humrichous, and Zvonimir Ivisic. David Mirkovic chipped in 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting from three-point range.
The win also marked Illinois’ seventh straight 20-win regular season under head coach Brad Underwood. Illinois has now won 10 consecutive Big Ten games and remains unbeaten at home in conference play as it continues one of the most dominant stretches in program history.
