Kwa Jones Director of Recruiting and Scouting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Kwa Jones Director of Recruiting and Scouting | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois is set to conclude its season-opening homestand with a matchup against Oakland on Wednesday night at the State Farm Center in Champaign. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
The Fighting Illini have started their season strong with two consecutive wins, including a commanding 112-67 victory over Eastern Illinois and a 90-58 win against SIUE. Head coach Brad Underwood's team aims to extend its unbeaten streak against non-conference opponents at home to eight games.
Illinois has faced Oakland four times previously, maintaining an undefeated record of 4-0 against the Golden Grizzlies. Their last encounter resulted in a 64-53 victory for Illinois at the State Farm Center in November 2023.
Underwood's squad is ranked 19th in adjusted efficiency according to KenPom.com and boasts impressive statistics across several categories, including free throws and three-pointers. Freshman Will Riley has been particularly noteworthy, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after averaging 22.5 points and seven rebounds per game.
Oakland enters the contest with a record of 1-1 after suffering a loss to Boise State last week. Greg Kampe, Oakland's head coach now in his 41st season, recently participated in Brad Underwood's "Kickin' Cancer" event which raised significant funds for cancer research.
As Illinois seeks another win, they continue their successful run as one of the top teams in the Big Ten over recent seasons.
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