Game Preview: Illini at #14 Maryland

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

February 2, 2025

The Illini are back at home after the forgettable loss in Lincoln and need a win over a surging Ohio State Buckeyes team that has won 3 in a row including 2 on the road. Illinois has lost 4 of 6, but have been without one of their stars in each game due to injury, illness or foul trouble. Can they right the ship at home? 7’1 Center Tomislav Ivisic is listed as questionable, but odds are that he will not play again on Sunday as he works himself back into shape.

Regardless, Illinois will have to play much better offensively on Sunday if they want to get the win. Here’s a peek at what to expect.

Setting the Stage

#18 Illinois (14-7, 6-5) vs. Ohio State (13-8, 5-5)
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 // 12 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center
TV: CBS – Kevin Harlan (Play-by-Play) & Jim Spanarkel (Analyst)
Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play) & Deon Thomas National Radio: Compass Media Networks – Matt Smith (Play-By-Play) & Robert Horry (Analyst)

Podcasts

571 Illini "Smash" the Terps

Listen

3.6.26 Illini Hoops Update & March Madness Begins

Listen

570 Illini Feast on Ducks

Listen

2.27.26 - Reaction to Illini Loss to Michigan, Deon Thomas & More

Listen

569 Illini Fall to B1G Champs 84-70

Listen

568 Illini Hoops Update

Listen

567 Illini Fall to Bruins 95-94 in OT

Listen

2.20.26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops Update

Listen

566 Illini Slay Trojans

Listen

565 Illini Defeat Hoosiers 71-51 in Boswell’s Return

Listen

2.13.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Hauck new DC & Pete Babcock

Listen

564 Illini Lead Evaporates in 92-90 OT Loss to Wisconsin

Listen

563 Inside Scoop on New Illini DC Bobby Hauck

Listen

562 Illini Fall 85-82 to MSU in OT

Listen

2.6.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Ayo Traded & Football Coaching Openings

Listen