Sturdy's Rewind: Cruise Control

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

February 19, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Illinois cruised past USC in a 36-point beat down that saw Illinois put seven players in double figures led by Andrej Stojakovic and his 22 points to move to 22-5 and 13-3 in the Big Ten. The Illini got off to a quick 8-0 start and led by 22 points at half and continue to pile on until the final buzzer Illinois led by as many as 39 points in the second half before winning by 36 . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

5.1.26 - Ayo & TSJ Dump the Nuggets, Illini Hoops Recruiting Update & Mike Small

Listen

589 IlliniGuys Subscriber Mailbag Episode

Listen

588 Illini Football & Hoops Update with Ayo, Andrej & the NFL Draft

Listen

4.24.26 - Illini Hoops Update & Illini in the NFL Draft

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Divine & Family

Listen

4.17.26 - Impressive Illini Roster Building for Next Season

Listen

587 Mirk, Ivisic Twins & Davis Are Back

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Kate McDougall

Listen

586 - Portal Kombat - Vaaks Commits to Illini

Listen

4.10.26 - Final Four Reflections & Portal Kombat Tips Off

Listen

585 Breaking down UConn Game & Looking Forward to Portal Kombat

Listen

584 IlliniGuys with the Illini at the Final Four

Listen

4.3.26 - Final Four Show

Listen

583 - Jay Price & Brian Barnhart Talk Illini Final Four

Listen

582 - Illini Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.