Illinois basketball vs. Missouri Tigers
- 34-20 overall
By far the biggest rivalry Illinois has in the SEC is against the Missouri Tigers. This rivalry dates back decades, and the Illini have gotten the better of the Tigers, winning the series thus far 34-20.
This rivalry is played every season. The last matchup was in December 2023, and Illinois put a thumping on the Tigers, 97-73.
Illinois now has won two out of the last three matchups against Missouri after dropping three in a row. The longest winning streak by either team was by the Illini. We won nine straight games against Missouri spanning from 2000 through 2008.
Illinois basketball vs. Oklahoma Sooners
- 14-5 overall
It might be a new team in the SEC, but Illinois dominates them just the same. The Oklahoma Sooners are now a part of the SEC, and Illinois has seen great success against them going 14-5 in 19 games.
This isn’t a longstanding rivalry by any means, though. The last time the two teams played was back in 2007. Illinois was able to dominate Oklahoma 65-49 in that contest.
Illinois owns the longest winning streak in the series as well. We won eight straight against Oklahoma spanning from 1949 through 1962. The 14-5 record is probably why Oklahoma hasn’t scheduled us in 17 seasons.
Illinois basketball vs. Ole Miss Rebels
- 2-0 overall
Illinois has a couple of short stints playing against SEC teams, and Ole Miss fits into that category. The two teams faced off in just two games throughout time, and Illinois won both contests.
The last time Illinois took on Ole Miss was back in the 1989-90 season. We ended up beating the Rebels 83-72, marketing back-to-back seasons of dominance against this SEC program.
Illinois was in control of both matchups as well. The Illini averaged scoring 87 points per game against Ole Miss, and both wins were by double-digit points.