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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