The Illinois Fighting Illini, sitting at 20-5 overall and 11-3 in the B1G, are looking to build on their recent success, having won 4 of their last 5 games, including a thrilling 83-75 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes, in which they shot 52.5% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc, with 5 players scoring in double figures, led by 23 points from their star guard. Meanwhile, the Indiana University, Bloomington Hoosiers, with a 17-8 overall record and 8-6 conference mark, are seeking to regain momentum after a 75-68 loss to the Purdue Boilermakers, in which they were outrebounded 35-26 and struggled with 18 turnovers, despite shooting 46.2% from the field. This matchup has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes, as it falls under the Quad 1 category for both the Fighting Illini and the Hoosiers.
Illinois Fighting Illini Have Dominated the Series Against Indiana University, Bloomington Hoosiers
The game is scheduled to take place on February 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET, at the State Farm Center, and will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans can also stream the game online through the ESPN app, providing an opportunity for a national audience to witness this critical B1G showdown, which could help determine the conference standings, with Illinois currently holding a 2-game lead over the Hoosiers in the conference.
The Indiana University, Bloomington Hoosiers have experienced a solid season, boasting a 17-8 overall record and an 8-6 mark in the B1G, with a 30 NET ranking, which puts them in a favorable position for a top-4 seed in the tournament, having gone 2-7 against Quad 1 opponents, 2-1 against Quad 2 opponents, and 6-0 against Quad 3 opponents. Over their last 5 games, the Hoosiers have averaged 74.2 points per game, while allowing 69.8 points per contest, with a +4.4 scoring margin, and have shot 45.1% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. Despite struggling against top-tier opponents, the Hoosiers have shown resilience, winning 4 of their last 5 games, including a 78-71 victory over the Michigan Wolverines, in which they outrebounded their opponents 35-27 and forced 15 turnovers.
The Illinois Fighting Illini have been one of the most impressive teams in the B1G, with a 20-5 overall record and an 11-3 conference mark, earning them a 5 NET ranking, which firmly places them on the top-16 seed line, having gone 7-4 against Quad 1 opponents, 4-1 against Quad 2 opponents, and 3-0 against Quad 3 opponents. The Fighting Illini have been particularly dominant at home, boasting a 12-1 record at the State Farm Center, where they have averaged 81.4 points per game, while allowing just 64.5 points per contest, with a +16.9 scoring margin. Over their last 5 games, the Fighting Illini have shot 49.2% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc, with 4 players averaging double figures in scoring.
CHD Scout Prediction
Indiana
70
Illinois
83
The Illinois Fighting Illini and Indiana University, Bloomington Hoosiers have distinct styles, which will create an intriguing matchup, with the Fighting Illini averaging 79.5 points per game, while the Hoosiers average 73.8 points per contest. The Fighting Illini have a significant edge in terms of rebounding, outrebounding their opponents by an average of 6.5 boards per game, while the Hoosiers have a +2.5 rebounding margin. In terms of pace, the Fighting Illini average 72.1 possessions per game, while the Hoosiers average 69.4 possessions per contest, which could lead to a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to push the tempo and exploit their opponents' defensive weaknesses.
For the Indiana University, Bloomington Hoosiers, guard Trey Galloway has been on a hot streak, averaging 15.5 points per game over his last 5 contests, while shooting 51.7% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, forward Trayce Jackson-Davis has been a dominant force, averaging 18.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game over his last 5 games, while shooting 54.5% from the field. For the Illinois Fighting Illini, guard Coleman Hawkins has been a key contributor, averaging 14.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game over his last 5 contests, while shooting 48.1% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. Additionally, forward Dain Dainja has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game over his last 5 games, while shooting 55.6% from the field.
According to the CHD Scout prediction, the Illinois Fighting Illini are favored to win by 12.2 points, with an 84.7% win probability, which suggests that the Fighting Illini's strong home record and balanced offense will be too much for the Hoosiers to handle. This prediction is based on the teams' recent performance, with the Fighting Illini averaging 83.2 points per game over their last 5 contests, while the Hoosiers have averaged 74.2 points per game over the same span.
This matchup has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes, as it falls under the Quad 1 category for both the Fighting Illini and the Hoosiers. A win for the Hoosiers would be a significant boost to their resume, as it would give them a much-needed Quad 1 victory, improving their record to 3-7 against top-tier opponents. On the other hand, a loss for the Fighting Illini would be a setback, as it would drop their Quad 1 record to 7-5, potentially impacting their seeding in the tournament.