Champaign, IL – The No. 8 University of Illinois men’s basketball team secured a decisive 71-51 victory over Indiana on Sunday, continuing their strong season. The win came just days after future Illini player Quinton Kitt delivered a remarkable performance for East Peoria High School, signaling a bright future for the program.
Kitt, a committed recruit for the Illini, showcased his talent on February 13th, leading East Peoria to a thrilling 77-75 comeback win against Metamora. Trailing by as many as 21 points, Kitt scored 23 of his game-high 39 points in the fourth quarter to rally his team. “It was a crazy game,” Kitt said. “We were down by, at the most, 21, so we needed to come together and produce a big lead happen and I feel like we got it done overall… It’s probably the craziest moment of my high school career. It’s not easy to win at Metamora, either.”
The excitement continued for Kitt as he attended the Illinois vs. Indiana game two days later. “I’ve been here, I think this is my fifth game back (since committing on November 27, 2025),” Kitt said, expressing his enthusiasm for the program and its atmosphere. He is expected to join the team after graduating from East Peoria in 2027, though a potential run to the Class 3A state finals with his high school team in the next two seasons could alter that timeline.
Illini Secure Third Straight Win Over Indiana
Illinois’ victory over Indiana was fueled by a balanced scoring attack, led by David Mirkovic’s 25 points. Keaton Wagler contributed 18 points and Tomislav Ivisic added 14. The return of Champaign native Kylan Boswell, who recorded nine points and six rebounds, similarly provided a boost for the Illini. Former NBA player Danny Green, a member of North Carolina’s 2009 national championship team and three-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers, praised the atmosphere at State Farm Center before calling the game for Compass Media Networks. “It brings me back to my college days,” Green said. “The environment is great, it’s always a lot of fun. In the NBA we have some great fans, but it’s not like the college fans. It’s very different.”
Green also highlighted the maturity of freshman Keaton Wagler, stating, “It always impresses me when I see freshmen come in that mature. Playing college basketball for your first year and to be able to do those things is very impressive. If he can keep it up, man, he’s going to be a special player.” He also compared Boswell to Marcus Smart, describing him as “the heart and soul of the team.”
Indiana Faces Tournament Pressure
Indiana was led in scoring by Lamar Wilkerson, who had 21 points. However, the loss further complicates their pursuit of an NCAA tournament berth, something they haven’t achieved since 2023. Don Fischer, the radio voice of Indiana basketball since 1973, noted the unique excitement surrounding Indiana athletics this year, particularly with their football team’s undefeated 15-0 season. “It’s really been a fun time in Bloomington,” Fischer said. “Our fan base is jacked up, which has never happened for football before. It’s been special, there’s no question about it. And Hoosier nation is excited about basketball too, but football right now has taken center stage.” Fischer also acknowledged Illinois’ physical advantage, stating Indiana “don’t have the size that Illinois has.”
Illinois fans, including senior history major Adam Borowski, were enthusiastic about the team’s performance. Borowski, who has witnessed the Illini’s 92-40 record since his arrival on campus, including a 2024 Elite Eight appearance, praised the team’s three-point shooting and rebounding. The game was played before a capacity crowd of 15,544, energized by the Orange Krush student section. Former Illini player Mike LaTulip, who played for the team from 2012-2015, emphasized the importance of Boswell’s return, calling him both a defensive force and an emotional leader.
Illinois will continue their challenging schedule with upcoming road games against Southern California on February 18th and UCLA on February 22nd. The team’s performance in these games will be crucial as they aim for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. The Illini are demonstrating a consistent level of play, and with the addition of committed recruits like Quinton Kitt, the future looks promising for Brad Underwood’s program.
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