While the men’s program started off on the right foot on Monday night, the women’s Illinois basketball team begins on Wednesday.
Entering the 2026-27 season as the No. 23 team in the country, Illinois is poised to have a big year. Shauna Green has the roster laced with talent, and Detroit Mercy should feel the wrath of the Orange and Blue.
There could end up being some rust, as this is the first game of the season. Don’t expect Detroit Mercy to keep up, though. The Illini are too deep and talented for this game to be close.
Here is the Illinois basketball (W) vs. Detroit Mercy: How to watch, odds, injuries, announcers & more
How to watch Illinois basketball vs. Detroit Mercy
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: State Farm Center – Champaign, Illinois
How to watch: B1G+
Radio: The Varsity Network
Illinois record: 0-0
Detroit Mercy record: 0-0
Announcers for Illinois basketball vs. Detroit Mercy
Play-by-Play: Scott Sudikoff
Game Analyst: Genesis Bryant
Courtside Reporter: Izzy Phillips
Illinois basketball vs. Detroit Mercy odds, spread, and total
N/A (no line has been set yet)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Illinois basketball injury report
None
Detroit Mercy injury report
None
Illinois basketball vs. Detroit Mercy series history
All-time meetings: 3
Illinois all-time record vs. Detroit Mercy: 2-1
Last meeting: December 10, 2017 (W – 73-65)
Last win over Detroit Mercy: December 10, 2017 (W – 73-65)
The history between Illinois and Detroit Mercy isn’t a long one, but it dates back longer than most non-Big Ten matchups.
Illinois has seen success against Detroit Mercy, winning the last matchup, 73-65, back in 2017. Overall, we have a 2-1 series lead, too.
The first game between Illinois and Detroit Mercy came back in January 1980. The Titans dominated the Illini in Detroit. They took us to task, winning the game 90-74. Hopefully, this matchup isn’t anything like that first battle.
Add us as a preferred source on Google