#17 Illinois vs #24 Wisconsin – Tuesday, February 10
Wisconsin had a good team last year, logging 27 wins on the season. They lost two out of their top three scorers, though. I am not too impressed with what the Badgers added in the offseason, either. The Badgers will always be a decent team, but I think they take a step back this season. With this game being in Champaign, I give the Illini the edge.
- Final: Illinois 78 – Wisconsin 70 (W) (21-4 overall, 12-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Indiana – Sunday, February 15
There has been a big change in Bloomington. Indiana was about as average as you could get last season, and now they have revamped their team. The Hoosiers are trying to buy a good team this season, as they have a new roster filled with 10 transfer portal additions. It will be interesting to see how quickly or if those transfers gel. If they do, Indiana could be pretty good. I still like Illinois at home in this contest.
- Final: Illinois 81 – Indiana 76 (W) (22-4 overall, 13-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at USC – Wednesday, February 18
USC is going to be better than their sub-.500 record last season. They hit the transfer portal hard, and this could mean a better team than what we are used to. The Trojans landed a five-star in Alijah Arenas, but he has an injury that will keep him out for most of the season. There is a chance he will be back for this game, but even if he does return, the ramp-up period will be long.
- Final: Illinois 75 – USC 70 (W) (23-4 overall, 14-2 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at #12 UCLA – Saturday, February 21
I think you are looking at a UCLA team that I would put among my top five favorites to win the national title. They return their top two scorers from a 23-win campaign last season. The Bruins also did a great job in the transfer portal, landing one of the best players in Donovan Dent and also plucking Xavier Booker from Michigan State. This is going to be a really good UCLA team, and going on the road is going to be extremely tough for the Illini.
- Final: Illinois 74 – UCLA 88 (L) (23-5 overall, 14-3 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs #7 Michigan – Friday, February 27
Michigan has a good coach, and it is annoying. The Wolverines made the Sweet 16 last season, and they return most of their depth on the roster. Michigan did lose their top three scorers, but a great haul in the transfer portal should fill all of the gaps on the floor. I expect Michigan to be at the top of the Big Ten once again. This game will be intense with Morez Johnson Jr. returning to Champaign for the first time. It is going to be a really close game.
- Final: Illinois 71 – Michigan 70 (W) (24-5 overall, 15-3 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois vs Oregon – Tuesday, March 3
There are going to be a few sneaky teams in the Big Ten this season, and I think Oregon is one of those squads. They return their top two scorers from a team that almost made the Sweet 16. The Ducks then added a few key pieces to fill in any holes. This Oregon team will be in the top 25 when this game rolls around. After the emotional win over Michigan, Illinois could have a letdown game for sure.
- Final: Illinois 68 – Oregon 75 (L) (24-6 overall, 15-4 Big Ten)
#17 Illinois at Maryland – Sunday, March 8
The last game of the season shouldn’t be too tough. I have Illinois dominating Maryland in Champaign, but the game on the road will be a little tougher. Needing a win to potentially take home a Big Ten regular season crown, Illinois comes through in a big way.
- Final: Illinois 84 – Maryland 81 (W) (25-6 overall, 16-4 Big Ten)