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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.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 16, 2023

Mario Sanders picked the Illini over a couple of low major offers coming off the Illinois victory over Indiana Saturday.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

November 16, 2023

An Illinois high school prep has a scholarship offer from one of the nation's top teams in the country but does not have one from one of his favorite schools, Illinois. 

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 15, 2023

Illinois racked up the most scrimmage yards they've ever had in a conference game. Their 662 yards gained made for a fun afternoon at Memorial Stadium and the memory of a lifetime for John Paddock. However, the Illini also allowed 451 yards, and their 139 penalty yards made this a much closer game than you'd think.

Illinois moves to 2-1 with the third-largest victory in […]

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

November 15, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

The Illini fell to Marquette on Tuesday night in a matchup of Top 25 teams at the State Farm Center. Tyler Kolek dismantled the Illinois defense to the tune of 24 points and the Illini turned it over 15 times as they faltered down the stretch in a 71-64 defeat at the hands of the Golden Eagles. Terrence Shannon scored 21 to lead Illinois and Marcus Domask added 18 to lead the Illini, who fell to 2-1. 

Here's a look back:

These 3 Things

Turnovers are Killers - Illinois turned it over 15 times in a 66 possession game, which equates to a 22.7% turnover rate.