Sturdy's Game Preview: UCLA

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

February 21, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Illini have one more West Coast matchup on Saturday night when they take on UCLA in a matchup of NCAA tournament teams. Illinois still has an outside shot at a Big Ten title and a #1 seed, but this win would likely keep them entrenched on the 2-line and make the Michigan matchup next Friday the biggest game of the Big Ten season.

Here’s a look at the particulars.

Setting the Stage
#10 Illinois (22-5, 13-3 . . .

 

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574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

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573 The 2026 NCAA Tournament Show

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572 Illini Lose Big Lead vs Badgers

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3.13.26 Wagler All-B1G & All-American & Sturdy Fires Up Underwood

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571 Illini "Smash" the Terps

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3.6.26 Illini Hoops Update & March Madness Begins

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570 Illini Feast on Ducks

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

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569 Illini Fall to B1G Champs 84-70

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568 Illini Hoops Update

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567 Illini Fall to Bruins 95-94 in OT

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

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566 Illini Slay Trojans

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