CHAMPAIGN, IL. — Illinois’ 2025-26 non-conference slate has officially come to a close.
The Illini (10-3, 1-1 B1G) took care of business on Monday afternoon at the State Farm Center beating Southern by a score of 90-55. This win improved Illinois’ non-conference record to 9-2, which is impressive considering the quality schedule they faced.
Advertisement
A very balanced scoring effort helped the Illini offense flourish once again. Five players reached double-figures scoring, led by Jake Davis’ 15 points. Zvonimir Ivisic scored 13 points, while Tomislav Ivisic, David Mirkovic, and Keaton Wagler had 11 points each.
Wagler showed NBA scouts that he’s more than just a scorer, tallying 10 assists while dictating the pace of the game offensively. The star freshman has recorded 10 assists in two of his last three outings.
It was a second consecutive encouraging defensive performance for Illinois, following the Braggin’ Rights beatdown. After holding KenPom top-50 Missouri to just 48 points, Illinois held the highest-rated SWAC team to a mere 55 points.
The Jaguars shot 34.8% from the field and 21.4% from deep in the loss. Illinois forced their opponent into a number of tough mid-range jump shots. Southern star Michael Jacobs looked out of sorts all afternoon, finishing 3-f0r-16 for 11 points on the day.
Advertisement
Southern’s combination of a press and zone defense slowed Illinois down through the first quarter of the game, but Illinois’ offense began to wake up as the half went on. Turnovers hampered Illinois’ offensive effort, but the team’s hot three-point shooting more than made up for it.
Illinois had seven first half turnovers, but shot 15-for-26 from the floor and 8-for-16 from beyond the arc in the opening half.
The Illini coughed up another seven turnovers in the second half, but continued to shoot the ball well and own the glass. Illinois was in control of the contest throughout, maintaining at least a 20-point lead for nearly the entire second half.
Stat Stuffers
-
Keaton Wagler (ILL) — 11 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists
Advertisement
-
Jake Davis (ILL) — 15 points, 5-for-6 3PT
-
David Mirkovic (ILL) — 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
-
Malek Abdelgowad (SU) — 10 points, 5-for-5 FG
Moments that Mattered
Keaton Wagler looking as smooth as ever.
Lots of lobs today.
Looking Ahead
The Illini will finally resume Big Ten play 21 days after their home loss to Nebraska.
Illinois takes on Penn State in Philadelphia at The Palestra on Saturday, January 3rd at 6 p.m.
