- Matchup: Washington Huskies vs Illinois Fighting Illini
- Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
- Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Illinois Fighting Illini (17-3) will host the Washington Huskies (11-9) at the State Farm Center this Thursday.
In their previous game, the Washington Huskies emerged victorious against Oregon, finishing 72-57. The Huskies committed 18 fouls, while Oregon committed 12. From beyond the arc, Washington struggled, converting only 3 of 15 attempts. Oregon capitalized on free throws, hitting 24 of 28 for an impressive 85.7% success rate. On the boards, Oregon gathered 23 rebounds (1 offensive, 22 defensive) but failed to record a block. The Ducks contributed with 4 assists and 8 steals. Defensively, the Huskies limited Oregon to a 35.7% shooting percentage, allowing 15 of 42 shots to fall. Washington totaled 15 assists, forced 10 turnovers, and made 10 steals. They secured 42 rebounds with 18 from the offensive end. At the foul line, the Huskies made 8 of 13 attempts, resulting in a shooting percentage of 61.5%. Overall, Washington shot 41.5% from the field (27 of 65) and hit 10 of 21 from three-point range.
Jacob Ognacevic was a standout player, shooting 80.0% from the field and contributing 1 assist. He played for 24 minutes, grabbing 2 rebounds, and finishing with 12 points on 4 of 5 shooting.
The Huskies enter this game with an 11-9 season record. They average 79.0 points per game (131st in Division 1) with a field goal percentage of 44.9%. Washington’s three-point shooting stands at 31.4% (133 of 423), and they are converting 77.1% from the free throw line. As a team, they average 38.3 rebounds per game and have notched 278 assists, ranking 226th in college basketball. Their turnover rate stands at 10.6 per game, while they commit an average of 17.3 fouls each match.
Defensively, the Huskies force opponents into 10.7 turnovers each game and commit an average of 17.9 personal fouls. They allow 31.7% shooting from deep and rank 178th in Division 1 in points allowed per game (73.3). Their opponents are shooting 43.3% (521 of 1,203) from the field, and Washington gives up 33.5 rebounds per game. They rank 133rd in college basketball for assists allowed, with 260 conceded this season.
In their last outing, the Illinois Fighting Illini triumphed over Purdue with an 88-82 scoreline. They secured 20 defensive rebounds and 12 offensive rebounds for a total of 32. Illinois lost possession 10 times without recording a steal. Purdue committed 17 fouls, allowing the Fighting Illini 22 free throw attempts, of which they converted 16, yielding a 72.7% success rate. From three-point range, Illinois sank 18 of 38 attempts (47.4%). The final shooting stats showed the Fighting Illini at 48.2%, making 27 of 56 attempts from the field. Purdue, in contrast, converted 33 of 58 shots for a 56.9% shooting average, hitting 36.8% from beyond the arc (7 of 19) and achieving 81.8% from the charity stripe (9 of 11). Illinois permitted Purdue 19 rebounds (3 on the offensive end).
Keaton Wagler was instrumental in the Fighting Illini’s performance, scoring 46 points in his 39 minutes on the floor and providing 4 assists. He shot an impressive 76.5% (13 of 17) but did not record any rebounds.
Illinois holds a 17-3 record this season. The Fighting Illini commit an average of 13.0 personal fouls per game while boasting a free throw percentage of 79.4%. They average 14.6 assists per game (162nd in college basketball) and make 9.7 turnovers. The team has scored a total of 1,709 points this season, averaging 85.5 per game, alongside 41.6 rebounds per contest. In terms of field goal efficiency, the Fighting Illini hit 47.1%, placing them 85th in college basketball.
On the defensive end, Illinois ranks 52nd in points allowed per game with 68.3. They average forcing 7.9 turnovers each game and limit opponents to a 40.4% field goal percentage (33rd nationally). Opponents shoot 31.6% from beyond the arc (164 of 519) and convert 69.6% of their free throws. Illinois gives up an average of 12.8 assists and 30.4 rebounds per game, ranking 132nd and 13th in the nation, respectively.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Washington
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