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Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

November 19, 2023

The 3-1 Fighting Illini will take on the Southern Jaguars on Sunday evening at 7 PM as they continue to grow and get connected as a team heading into the meat of their schedule. The Illini took care of business against Valparaiso in the second half and will need to play a bit better in this one as Southern has shown the ability to raise their game, having already upset UNLV before falling to Western Illinois on Friday. 

Setting the Stage

#23 Illinois (3-1) vs. Southern (1-3) 

Nov. 19, 2023 // 7 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center 

TV: BTN – Wayne Randazzo (Play-by-Play), Stephen Bardo (Analyst) 

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Doug Altenberger

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 19, 2023

Illinois big man Coleman Hawkins is a senior this year and will have one more year of eligibility left if he chooses to take advantage of Covid-19.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 18, 2023

IOWA CITY — Illinois led at halftime and much of the second half but couldn’t overcome a fourth-quarter comeback victory from Iowa in order to get its first victory at Kinnick Stadium since 1999.

By IlliniGuys Staff November 18, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

November 18, 2023 Pretty good week based on the […]

By Brad Sturdy - Illini Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

November 18, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Fighting Illini had a terrible half of basketball against Valparaiso and 1st year Head Coach Roger Powell, trailing 45-38 at the break. Then they decided to play like the top 25 team they are and outscored Valpo 49-19 in the 2nd half in cruising to an 87-64 win. Terrence Shannon led the way with 22 points and Dain Dainja added 16 to lead Illinois as they moved to 3-1. Valpo falls to 2-2. 

Here’s a look back. 

These 3 Things

Stafford on a Heater - Isaiah Stafford was on a heater in the first half.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema to his alma mater today with the mission of achieving Illinois’ first win in Iowa City since Nov. 6, 1999. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 18, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Two men with Iowa ties will meet in Iowa City but for one it’s a return and the other it’s goodbye. 

IlliniGuys Staff November 18, 2023 Illinois (5-5, 3-4 B1G) at […]

(Editor's note:  Illini sophomore linebacker Gabe Jacas appears on […]

By IlliniGuys Staff November 17, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

(Editor's note:  Illini veteran Marcus Domask appears on the […]

By Brad Sturdy - Illini Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

November 17, 2023

After falling to #4 Marquette the Illini are back in action against the Valparaiso Crusaders at the State Farm Center on Friday evening. Valpo features former Illini star Roger Powell, who helped the Illini to the Final Four back in 2005. Powell is 2-1 in his first season as he attempts to bring a once proud program back into relevance. Powell accumulated 1,178 points and 531 rebounds during his four-year career for the Fighting Illini. He helped the team to three Big Ten regular-season titles, two Big Ten Tournament crowns and three Sweet Sixteen berths. During his senior year in 2004-05, Powell was part of an Illini team that finished 37-2, won 29 straight to open the season and reached the national title game. He will feel right at home during his first road game as a collegiate head coach.

Setting the Stage

 #23 Illinois (2-1) vs. Valparaiso (2-1) 

Nov. 17, 2023 // 7 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center 

Stream: B1G+ – Scott Sudikoff (Play-by-Play), Alec Gilmore (Analyst), Ethan Oskroba (Sideline) Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Scott Beatty (Play-By-Play), Deon Thomas (Analyst)

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 17, 2023

On the big stage on Tuesday night, the Fighting Illini hosted the nation's fourth ranked team in the Marquette Eagles; Illinois lost the contest 71-64.

If nothing else, the 2023 Michigan football season will […]

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is confident that his coaches, players and staff all know the plan at quarterback in Iowa City this weekend. Will he share it before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff? No. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 16, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — If Bret Bielema has his way, we’ll all find out together who Illinois will start at the quarterback on Saturday at Iowa City.