blog posts Illini beat No. 10 Spartans in thriller Jan 26, 2022 8:30 am Tuesday night's victory against the Spartans - despite missing stars Kofi Cockburn and Andre Curbelo - moves the Illini to first place in the Big Ten with seven conference wins. Cockburn's return fuels Illini win at Northwestern Jan 30, 2022 12:00 pm A slow offensive started plagued both teams on Saturday. In the second half both offenses came alive, battling until the last second. But with Kofi Cockburn back and clutch shots from a pair of freshmen, the Illini beat the Wildcats 59-56. Illini down Badgers for top spot in Big Ten Feb 3, 2022 9:00 am In a battle of top-ranked teams with first place in the Big Ten on the line, the No. 18 Fighting Illini took down the No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers 80-67 Wednesday evening, with Kofi Cockburn erupting for 37 points and 12 rebounds. Frazier dominates in road victory against Hoosiers Feb 5, 2022 4:45 pm After a quiet first half from the Illini offense, Trent Frazier and Kofi Cockburn combined for 26 second-half points while Illinois' defense held Trayce Jackson Davis to six points, fueling a 74-57 win that keeps the Illini atop the Big Ten standings. Illini fend off Wildcats comeback for 73-66 victory Feb 14, 2022 8:45 am The Wildcats made a second-half comeback to challenge the Illini, but Illinois held strong and ended Northwestern's four-game win streak with a 73-66 victory. The win keeps the Illini on top of the Big Ten with a 11-3 conference record. Cockburn, Grandison lead Illini to victory in East Lansing Feb 19, 2022 5:45 pm While Frazier came had a big second half with 12 points, Kofi Cockburn and Jacob Grandison led Illinois' offensive attack against the Spartans. Grandison made six three-pointers and had 24 points. Cockburn led all scorers with 27. Illini Baseball kicks off Carolinas Coastline Classic with win over MTSU Feb 25, 2022 3:45 pm The Illinois Fighting Illini improved to 2-2 on the season with a 7-4 win over Middle Tennessee State on Friday at Springs Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. They take on Coastal Carolina on Saturday. Frazier's heroics put Illini past Wolverines in Ann Arbor Feb 28, 2022 8:30 am While Illinois never trailed, Michigan nearly orchestrated a comeback, getting within two points in the final minutes. But after a layup from Kofi Cockburn and a strong defensive stand, Frazier buried a three with 45 seconds to play, for a 93-85 win. Illini Women advance with B1G tourney win over Wisconsin Mar 3, 2022 8:45 am All five starters tallied double-figures scoring and the team set a tournament record by shooting 75% from beyond the arc, allowing the Illini to dispatch the Badgers for the second consecutive season and advance to today's second round. Williams leads Illini to victory over Nittany Lions Mar 4, 2022 8:00 am Illinois went down to the wire for the second time this week, this time against Penn State in the second to last game of the regular season. Their victory secures a top-3 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, their third-straight year with a double-bye. Comeback victory over Iowa secures championship Mar 7, 2022 8:30 am Fifth-year seniors Trent Frazier and Da'Monte WIlliams were met with thousands of Illini fans storming the court after securing a share of the regular season Big Ten Title on Senior Night. Illini Baseball dominant in win over Butler Mar 16, 2022 8:45 am The Fighting Illini took down Butler at Illinois Field Tuesday afternoon for their first home win of the season, 13-4. The Illini have now won three of the last four games and have scored 36 runs during that span. Illini escape with a win in first round game against Chattanooga Mar 19, 2022 8:45 am Illinois advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will play Houston who advanced past UAB with an 82-68 win on Friday night. Illini Baseball scores 13 in win over Wheaton Mar 24, 2022 10:45 am The Illini pitching staff held Wheaton to just five hits while the Illini offense registered 12 hits in the win. Cam McDonald kept his 16-game hitting streak alive. Branden Comia, Jacob Campbell, and Brody Harding each had multi-hit games. Illini defeat Purdue, split weekend series Mar 28, 2022 8:45 am The Illini jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first three innings and never looked back, beating Purdue 9-4. Up next: Illinois takes on Indiana State Wednesday evening, Mar. 30 at 5 p.m. CT at Eichelberger Field. Illini defeat Billikens in Tuesday evening matchup Mar 30, 2022 8:30 am Illinois (15-12, 1-1 B1G) was led by senior Avrey Steiner, who added three hits and a run driven in, while freshman Stevie Meade extended her hitting streak to nine with a two-for-two night with an RBI. Illini Baseball sweeps Purdue, improves to 5-1 in B1G play Apr 4, 2022 9:15 am The Fighting Illini baseball team finished off the series sweep of Purdue on Sunday afternoon at Illinois Field by taking down the Boilermakers, 11-8. Illini Softball surges past Redbirds Apr 7, 2022 9:00 am The Fighting Illini softball team recorded their second-straight run-rule midweek victory on Wednesday evening, defeating in-state rival Illinois State 11-3 in six innings behind a six-run fourth and five-run fifth inning. Illinois Baseball wins series finale, takes two of three at Iowa Apr 11, 2022 8:30 am The Illini scored nine runs on nine hits to take the final game of the series and improve to 7-2 in the conference, the best start to Big Ten play since 2015. Illinois downs Illinois State in Tuesday night offensive battle Apr 13, 2022 10:30 am The Fighting Illini defeated Illinois State on Tuesday evening at Illinois Field, 11-9. Kellen Sarver led the way at the plate for the Illini, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and three runs scored. Illini Softball completes sweep of Rutgers Apr 18, 2022 8:45 am In the Easter Sunday series finale, the Fighting Illini softball team secured their second-straight series sweep and tenth-straight victory, defeating Rutgers 9-1 at Rutgers Softball Complex. Men's Golf closes regular season with impressive tournament win Apr 26, 2022 8:45 am The win at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate at Columbus Country Club secures the Illini's third team title for the 2021-22 season. They now turn their attention to the championship season - starting with the B1G championship this weekend. Illini Baseball wins Tuesday night battle with Indiana State May 4, 2022 9:00 am The Fighting Illini won the second game of the season against Indiana State on Tuesday night, 6-3. Jacob Campbell and Cam McDonald led the Illini at the plate, driving in a combined three runs while both tallied hits in the win. Illini walk-off Nebraska on Senior Day in wild finish May 16, 2022 9:30 am The Illini came back from a four-run deficit to take the final game of the series against Nebraska, 5-4. Justin Janas singled home Branden Comia in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Illinois the series win. Illini bats erupt for 18 runs in dominant win at Penn State May 20, 2022 9:45 am Illinois scored 18 runs on 17 hits to take the series opener at Penn State on Thursday evening, 18-7. The Illini improve to 29-20 overall on the season and 15-7 in the Big Ten. Illini Football handles Virginia, 24-3 Sep 12, 2022 9:30 am The Illini scored 24 unanswered points, while the defense held the Cavaliers to 1-for-16 on third down, 1-for-4 on fourth down, and racked up five sacks on the day. Illini Volleyball secures fourth straight win with sweep at EIU Sep 15, 2022 9:30 am Wednesday's win pushed Illinois to a 5-3 record on the season including a 3-1 mark in true road matches. The victory moved the Orange and Blue to 20-4 in all-time meetings against Eastern Illinois. Illini dominate Chattanooga in 31-0 shutout Sep 23, 2022 10:30 am Illinois closed non-conference play with a resounding 31-0 win against Chattanooga in the first Thursday night fame at Memorial Stadium, moving the Fighting Illini to 3-1 on the season. Fighting Illini run away with Folds of Honor Collegiate title Sep 29, 2022 9:00 am The Illini used another strong start to open Wednesday's final round, and continued to push throughout the day en route to a 54-hole team tally of 854 (-10), led by sophomore Jackson Buchanan's closing 68 (-4). Illini overpower Wisconsin for Big Ten West road win Oct 3, 2022 8:00 am Illinois picked up its first Big Ten win of the season on Saturday, taking down Wisconsin, 34-10, in Madison for the first time since 2002. The Illini scored 17 points on three takeaways to move to 1-1 in conference play and 4-1 overall. Illinois Football ranked in the AP Top 25 Oct 10, 2022 10:15 am The Illinois football team comes in at #24 in this week's poll. Illinois (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) is tied for first in the Big Ten West standings thanks to the top scoring defense in the nation and the nation's leading rusher, Chase Brown. Nationally televised volleyball: Illini sweep Rutgers Oct 13, 2022 8:00 am Using its second-best hitting percentage of the season, Illinois swept Rutgers at home on Wednesday night in a match aired live on ESPNU. The team is now 9-8 overall, 4-3 reading in Big Ten play. Illinois Football moves up to #18 in the AP Poll Oct 17, 2022 8:45 am Following a 26-14 win over Minnesota, the 6-1 Illini team has moved up to #18 in the AP Poll. Illinois is also ranked in the Coaches Poll for the first time this season, coming in at #20. Illini Men's Golf overcomes elements for Dayton Flyer Invitational title Oct 19, 2022 8:15 am Behind a third-consecutive top-five finish from senior Tommy Kuhl, the Illini recorded the low team score in Rounds 2 and 3 to move past WSU and hold off MU for the four-stroke win, the 80th of Coach Mike Small's career. Fighting Illini close ITA Regionals with doubles championship Oct 25, 2022 8:00 am Kate Duong and Megan Heuser concluded Illinois' action at the ITA Midwest Regionals on Monday with a win in the doubles finals. The duo racked up five of Illinois' 15 wins across regional play. Illini Volleyball stuns No. 11 Penn State Oct 27, 2022 9:30 am In front of a rowdy crowd at Huff Hall, the Illinois volleyball team upset No. 11 Penn State in a four set battle on Wednesday night. The Illini victory was the team's first triumph over a nationally ranked opponent this season. Fighting Illini shut down Nebraska for sixth-straight victory Oct 31, 2022 9:15 am Illinois took down Nebraska on the road, 26-9, to move to 4-1 in conference play and remain atop the Big Ten West standings. The Illini moved from #17 to #14 in the AP poll following the win. Strong guard play propels Illini Women in win over Alcorn State Nov 14, 2022 8:45 am Makira Cook led all scorers with 21, while Adalia McKenzie, Genesis Bryant, and Jada Peebles all finished in double figures. The Illini had an efficient day from deep, shooting 52.2% from beyond the arc. Shannon Jr., Epps shine as Illini cruise to win over Monmouth Nov 15, 2022 9:15 am Terrence Shannon Jr. had a game-high and career-best 30 points, while Jayden Epps had 21 in their third regular-season contest with the Illini. Dain Dainja had 15 points off the bench, his third straight game in double figures. Fighting Illini Volleyball earns senior day sweep against Iowa Nov 21, 2022 12:45 pm On a sentimental Senior Day at Huff Hall on Sunday, Illini Volleyball triumphed over Iowa in straight sets to record the Illini's eighth sweep this season. Their fourth-straight victory helped the team improve to 15-13 overall, 11-8 in Big Ten play. Illini dominate Northwestern, 41-3, in regular season finale Nov 27, 2022 3:45 pm The Illini defense forced six turnovers, including a scoop and score and pick six from Sydney Brown, while Devon Witherspoon recorded two interceptions. With an 8-4 overall record, they'll learn their bowl destination next week. Hawkins' triple-double leads Fighting Illini past Syracuse Nov 30, 2022 9:45 am Coleman Hawkins registered the first Illinois triple-double in two seasons, recording 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Fighting Illini's 73-44 win over Syracuse. Terrence Shannon Jr. led all scorers with 17 points. Lights-out three-point shooting gives Women's Basketball a big road win over Pitt Dec 1, 2022 9:45 am Sophomore Adalia McKenzie scored a career-high 25 points, shooting 81.8 percent. The Illini improved to 7-1 on the season, tying their win total from one season ago. Theu open Big Ten on Sunday afternoon at No. 5 Indiana. Illini take down No. 2 Texas in overtime Dec 7, 2022 8:45 am Illinois fought back from a double-digit second-half deficit to force overtime and take down No. 2 Texas, 85-78. Freshman guard Jayden Epps scored the Illini's final five points of the second half to send the game to overtime. McKenzie, Cook lead Illini to win over Rutgers Dec 8, 2022 9:30 am Behind a double-double from Adalia McKenzie and a 20-point performance from Makira Cook, Illinois fought off Rutgers, 80-62, at State Farm Center on Wednesday night to pick up its first Big Ten win of the season. Strong rebounding fuels Illini Women's Basketball win at Butler Dec 12, 2022 8:30 am Illinois narrowly took down Butler on the road, 65-63, on Sunday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fighting Illini are now 9-2 overall, and the two-point victory marks the team's second true road win of the season. McKenzie, Bryant lead scoring as Illini win Braggin’ Rights over Missouri Dec 19, 2022 9:15 am Adalia McKenzie deliver a game-high 21 points, Genesis Bryant turned in a career-best 20 points, and Kendall Bostic turned in her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three assists. Bryant’s triple-double powers Fighting Illini past Florida Atlantic Dec 22, 2022 9:15 am Illinois women's basketball closed out its non-conference slate with an undefeated 7-0 mark at home as the Fighting Illini triumphed over Florida Atlantic, 81-46, on Wednesday afternoon. McKenzie scores career-high 26 points in emphatic road win over Wisconsin Dec 30, 2022 12:45 pm The Illini sit above .500 in conference action for the first time since 2017, and they extend their winning streak to five games with their final game of 2022. Illinois now sits at 12-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play heading into 2023. Women's Basketball receiving AP Top 25 votes after upset of Iowa Jan 3, 2023 8:45 am Now out to a 13-2 start under Shauna Green, the Illini are coming off their biggest win yet - a New Year's Day upset of Iowa. The last time the Illini appeared in the Top 25 was Nov. 27, 2000, when the team was ranked 24th in the AP poll.
