CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — No. 13 Illinois continued its surge through Big Ten play Saturday, pulling away late for a 77–67 win over Minnesota at State Farm Center to extend its winning streak to seven games.
Illinois improved to 15-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play, marking the program’s best 18-game start since the 2011–12 season. The Illini are 6-1 in the Big Ten for just the second time under head coach Brad Underwood, matching the 2021–22 squad that went on to win the conference championship.
Illinois controlled the game on the glass, outrebounding Minnesota 42-31 and pulling down 17 offensive rebounds — its most in a Big Ten game this season. The Illini also leaned on their perimeter shooting, knocking down 13 three-pointers and improving to 11-2 this season when hitting at least 10 triples.
Zvonimir Ivisic led Illinois with a season-high 18 points while adding nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Keaton Wagler continued his strong stretch with 17 points, five assists and four rebounds, marking his 10th straight game scoring in double figures. David Mirkovic added 12 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, while Tomislav Ivisic chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.
Illinois also received key contributions off the bench, outscoring Minnesota’s reserves 22-5. Andrej Stojakovic scored seven points to eclipse 1,000 career points, becoming the second Illini to reach the milestone this season.
The victory marked Illinois’ ninth straight win over Minnesota and Underwood’s 10th win in 12 meetings against the Golden Gophers. Illinois is now 9-1 at home this season and has recorded five sellouts at State Farm Center, including Saturday’s crowd of 15,544.
