The Illinois basketball team is back in action on Friday night in hopes of getting back on the winning track.
It was an ugly first half against Texas Tech back on Tuesday, but the Illini fought back and nearly knocked off the Red Raiders.
Illinois needs to start off on the right foot against Sam Houston. We can’t look like we did in the first 20 minutes against Texas Tech. I believe this program will come out with fire, and Sam Houston will need to have an answer.
Here is Illinois basketball vs. Sam Houston: How to watch, odds, injuries, announcers & more
How to watch Illinois basketball vs. Sam Houston
- Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
- Time: 6:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois
- How to watch: B1G+
- Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network
- Illinois record: 2-1 (0-0 Big Ten)
- Sam Houston record: 2-1 (0-0 CUSA)
Announcer for Illinois basketball vs. Sam Houston
- Play-by-play: Josh Melvin
- Game analyst: Jonathan Mathew
- Reporter: Ella Peterson
Illinois basketball vs. Sam Houston moneyline, spread, and total
Odds from DraftKings Sports
Moneyline
- Illinois N/A
- Sam Houston N/A
Spread
- Illinois +35.5 (-108)
- Sam Houston -35.5 (-112)
Total
- Over 170.5 points (-115)
- Under 170.5 points (-105)
Illinois basketball injury report
- G Jake Davis – Out
- F David Mirkovic – Out
Sam Houston injury report
- None
Illinois basketball vs. Sam Houston series history
- All-time meetings: Never
- Illinois all-time record vs. Sam Houston: 0-0
- Last meeting: Never
- Last win over Sam Houston: Never
You are getting a first in your lifetime. The men’s Illinois basketball team has never played Sam Houston, and we will get to watch the two teams match up against each other for the first time on Friday night.
Illinois is coming off its first loss of the season to Texas Tech, so a rebound game is what is needed. With David Mirkovic and Jake Davis still on the mend, the Illini will once again need the freshmen to step up.
Meanwhile, the Bearkats come in 2-1 as well. Their only loss was to a ranked Alabama team by 22 points. This team can score up and down the roster, as they put up 74 points against the Crimson Tide.
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