No. 19 Iowa vs Illinois Basketball Preview: Time, TV, and What Fans Need to Know
The stage is set for a marquee Big Ten Sunday’s action at Carver-Hawkeye Arena will feature Iowa vs. Illinois basketball, setting the stage for a major Big Ten match. When No. 19 Iowa hosts No. 16 Illinois in what is also the Hawkeyes’ annual Gold Out, fans can anticipate drama, intensity, and lots of fireworks because both teams are in the top 20. The game will air on Fox, with Jason Benetti and Steve Smith on the call, and tip-off is set for 11 a.m.
Iowa vs Illinois Basketball: Series History and Current Form
Iowa comes into the game fresh off a difficult 70-67 loss at Minnesota, which left the Hawkeyes looking for their first real road win of the year. The team’s rhythm hasn’t been disrupted by that loss, though. Iowa has a 2-0 record this season when it comes to recovering from setbacks. Guard Bennett Stirtz has been a scoring machine, scoring 21 points in the second half against the Gophers to extend his run of games with 20 or more points to three. He is currently averaging 18 points per game.
Illinois, on the other hand, enters Iowa City riding a four-game winning streak. In recent games, the Illini have triumphed over Missouri, Southern, Penn State, and Rutgers. This season, their only setback occurred in a close 83-80 loss to No. 23 Nebraska. Illinois has already made over 150 three-pointers this season and averages 86.7 points per game, which is an impressive offensive output. They outreach opponents by an average of 11.5 rebounds per game, demonstrating their dominance on the boards.
Keaton Wagler, a freshman guard who averages 15.5 points per game, is leading the Illini. With Kylan Boswell (14.5), Andrej Stojakovic (14.4), and rookie forward David Mirkovic (12.7) joining him, Illinois now has four dependable scoring threats who can quickly change the course of a game.
Keys to the Game
The formula for Iowa is straightforward: play quickly, maintain intensity, and execute offensively while upholding defensive discipline. “You have to be creative, you have to play with a little more pace… and part of that is being at an intense level consistently,” head coach Ben McCollum said, highlighting the importance of taking lessons from the Minnesota defeat. Carver-Hawkeye Arena’s enthusiasm and the Hawkeyes’ depth and experience will be crucial in containing Illinois’ explosive attack.
Illinois will try to take advantage of its advantage in rebounding and scoring balance. The Illini will put Iowa’s defense to the test on every possession because four of their players average in double figures and have a knack for making threes. The Hawkeyes’ top priorities will be to contain Keaton Wagler and keep Illinois off the offensive glass.
Game Info: When, Where, and How to Watch
Date/Time: Sunday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m.
Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City
TV: Fox (Jason Benetti, Steve Smith)
Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network affiliates
Fans attending the game are encouraged to wear gold for Iowa’s Gold Out tradition, creating an electric atmosphere that could energize the Hawkeyes against a top-tier Big Ten opponent.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, Iowa returns to road action quickly, traveling to Purdue on Tuesday, Jan. 14, with tip-off at 5:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. For Illinois, a win in Iowa City would extend their streak and solidify their top-20 standing, while Iowa will aim to rebound from its recent loss and prove that its home court is formidable.
The Bottom Line
Sunday’s showdown is more than just a top-20 clash it’s a test of resilience, strategy, and execution. Iowa vs Illinois basketball promises thrilling moments, standout performances, and perhaps a defining moment for both teams’ Big Ten campaigns. With elite talent on both sides and a passionate home crowd, Carver-Hawkeye Arena is the place to be for college basketball fans this weekend.
