Chambana Sun

The Illinois men's basketball team is set to face a significant challenge as they travel to Eugene, Oregon, for a game against the ninth-ranked Ducks on Thursday night. The match-up will be broadcasted on FS1 at 9 p.m. CT.

Illinois, currently ranked 22nd with a record of 9-3, will be looking to secure their first road win over a top-10 opponent since defeating Ohio State in March 2021. Head coach Brad Underwood has led the Illini to consistent success, including a recent victory over Chicago State that marked his 152nd win at Illinois. Underwood's tenure has seen the team maintain a presence in the Top-25 rankings for six consecutive seasons.

This season's roster is notably different from last year's Elite Eight squad, with new players accounting for most of the team's scoring. Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis leads Illinois in scoring with an average of 16.3 points per game and has achieved six games with more than 20 points each.

"Jakucionis became the fourth Big Ten freshman since 1996-97 with at least six-straight 20-point games," according to the team's notes. Sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic follows closely behind Jakucionis in scoring and rebounding, nearly averaging a double-double this season.

Kylan Boswell recently made headlines by recording only the seventh triple-double in Illinois history during their game against Chicago State. Over his last four games, Boswell averages impressive stats across points, rebounds, and assists.

Despite facing stiff competition from Oregon and playing four out of their next six games on the road, Illinois holds its position as one of the leading teams in several statistical categories within both the Big Ten and nationally.

With aspirations high following last year's Big Ten Tournament Championship and Elite Eight run, Coach Underwood continues to guide his team through this challenging schedule as they strive for further achievements this season.