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Illini Battle Tough Iowa in Sunday Showdown
11 Jan
Summary
- Illinois seeks a fifth consecutive victory against Iowa.
- Bennett Stirtz leads Iowa with 18.0 points per game.
- Illinois holds a 94-77 advantage in the all-time series.

Illinois basketball is set for a crucial matchup on Sunday, January 11, at 11:00 a.m. CT/12:00 p.m. ET, as they travel to Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes. This game, televised on FOX and available via FuboTV, marks the Illini's first game against a ranked opponent since a mid-December loss. Following that defeat, Illinois has secured four consecutive victories.
The historical series heavily favors Illinois, with a 94-77 lead over Iowa, including a recent four-game winning streak. Their last encounter saw Illinois dominate with a 106-94 victory. Iowa, despite offseason departures, has proven to be a surprisingly strong team this season, notably led by Bennett Stirtz. Stirtz is averaging 18.0 points per game, with an impressive 40.7% three-point shooting percentage, making him a primary focus for the Illini defense.
Illinois must address Iowa's ability to pull their big men out to the perimeter and capitalize on their own size advantage, particularly with 7-foot-2 Zvonimir Ivisic. Key players for the Illini, such as Jake Davis for his three-point shooting and fresh legs off the bench, will be vital for maintaining momentum and securing a fifth straight win. The game promises a tough fight, highlighting the need for strong communication and strategic defensive assignments.




