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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3.27.26 - Illini 2nd EE in 3 Years & IlliniGal CeCe Parchment

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576 - Illini Earn 2nd Elite 8 Appearance in 3 Years

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575 Sweet 16 - Illini Bust Up VCU 76-55

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3.20.26 March Madness and Matt Brown on NIL

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574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

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