Black Friday is filled with a ton of good sports, and the Illinois basketball team highlights it all.
The now-No. 13 Illini take on one of the toughest teams in the country in No. 5 UConn. All Illinois fans remember the last time these two teams played, and hopefully, that memory keeps fading away in the distance.
It is time to get revenge for that game a couple of years ago. Illinois has a team loaded with talent, and let’s send UConn back with a loss.
Here is the Illinois basketball vs UConn how to watch, series history, and players to watch
- Illinois basketball vs UConn – How to watch
This massive matchup between two top 15 programs will take place on Friday, November 28, at 11:30 a.m. CT/12:30 p.m. ET. It will be in New York City at Madison Square Garden, and you can watch the game on FOX. You can also view it on FuboTV by following this link.
- Illinois basketball vs UConn – Series history
There isn’t a long history of the two teams playing, but the Huskies have gotten the better of the Illini over the years.
Illinois is just 1-3 against UConn. Our only win came in a 49-23 barnburner back in 1938. I think we all remember that instant classic.
UConn has gotten the better of in the last three games, the most recent being in the Elite 8 in 2024. Illinois was in the game at the half, but the Huskies hit another gear and beat us 77-52.
- Illinois basketball vs UConn – Players to watch
There are some pretty big names with NBA aspirations in this game on Friday. UConn is bringing in some power, with multiple returning players from last year’s squad.
Alex Karaban is a solid big man who can stretch the floor and rebound. I will be curious to see how Illinois matches up with him.
UConn also trots out Solo Ball, who is one of the best guards in the country. Ball is averaging 14.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season. Don’t let his 25% shooting from three-point range fool you, either, as this kid can shoot from deep.
I will be curious to see if UConn’s traditional big men can suit up on Friday. Tarris Reed Jr. is their 6-foot-11 monster who is a 20-and-10 guy. Without him, the Huskies play much smaller.
For Illinois, I am eyeing the Ivisic brothers. Whether Reed plays or not, Tomislav and Zvonimir have to be on their game. They are both over seven feet tall, so Illinois has a size advantage. Getting them out on the perimeter offensively will help clear the lane for our driving guards, too.
I want to see Andrej Stojakovic blow up. I think he can be a mismatch for the Huskies, as he has good size and can slash and shoot on the wing. Stojakovic is going to be the wildcard in all of this.