Illinois Defeats Northwestern in NCAAB Showdown
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Welsh-Ryan Arena
Illinois Fighting Illini 79, Northwestern Wildcats 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Illinois Fighting Illini vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Illinois Fighting Illini beat Northwestern Wildcats 79-68 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Illinois Fighting Illini vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Illinois Fighting Illini were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -455 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Northwestern Wildcats with a final score of 79-68 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. This game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with Illinois continuing its strong performance in the season while Northwestern struggled to find consistency. Illinois entered the game with a record of 14-3, riding a five-game winning streak, while Northwestern's record stood at 8-9, having lost their last three games.
The Wildcats' recent form has been concerning, as they have only managed to secure three wins in their last ten games, with an overall record of 3-7 in that span. Their scoring average during this stretch was 77.2 points per game, but they also allowed an average of 73.8 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, Northwestern averaged 71.4 points while conceding 71.6 points, further emphasizing their struggle to maintain a solid defensive front.
On the other hand, the Fighting Illini have been in excellent form, winning eight of their last ten games. They have averaged 80.1 points per game during this period, while allowing just 66.4 points, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength. Their last five games have seen them average an impressive 82.0 points while allowing only 58.4 points, a clear indicator of their current momentum.
In terms of home and away performance, Northwestern holds a home record of 3-3 while struggling with an away record of 0-4. Conversely, Illinois has performed well both at home and on the road, with a home record of 4-1 and an away record of 4-1, contributing to their overall success this season.
The two teams had faced each other twice in the previous season, splitting the series with each team securing a win on their home court. Northwestern emerged victorious in their last meeting on December 7, 2024, with a score of 70-66, while Illinois won the earlier encounter on January 26, 2025, by a score of 83-74.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams were able to field their key players. However, the performance of each squad's stars was crucial, particularly for Illinois, which has relied heavily on its offensive leaders to maintain their winning streak.
The betting market reflected Illinois as the favorite, with DraftKings listing the Fighting Illini at -9.5 on the spread, while the total points over/under was set at 151.5. Illinois was priced at -455 on the money line, indicating strong confidence from the market in their ability to secure a win against Northwestern, which was listed at +350.
Conditions for the game were typical for a winter evening in the Midwest, with a packed arena that provided a lively atmosphere for both teams. Fans witnessed a competitive game, but Illinois's offensive execution ultimately proved too much for Northwestern to handle.
Key moments in the game included crucial three-point shots from Tomislav Ivisic, who made two significant long-range baskets in the second half, extending Illinois's lead at critical junctures. The scoring plays showcased Illinois's ability to capitalize on their opportunities, while Northwestern struggled to keep pace.
Overall, this matchup served as a reminder of the current trajectories of both programs, with Illinois solidifying its position as a contender while Northwestern continues to seek answers to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILL -9.5 | 151.5 o -112 / u -108 | Illinois Fighting Illini -455 · Northwestern Wildcats +350 |
Leaders
- PointsJayden Reid28Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJayden Reid3Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsArrinten Page8Northwestern Wildcats
- PointsKeaton Wagler22Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsKylan Boswell6Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsTomislav Ivisic7Illinois Fighting Illini
Recent form
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 3-7Streak L377.2 scored · 73.8 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L75-77at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 11
- L66-76at Michigan State SpartansJan 8
- L78-84vs Minnesota Golden GophersJan 3
- W80-60vs Howard BisonDec 30
- L58-61at Butler BulldogsDec 20
- W86-70vs Valparaiso BeaconsDec 17
- W93-53vs Jackson State TigersDec 13
- L82-86vs Ohio State BuckeyesDec 6
- L73-85at Wisconsin BadgersDec 4
- L81-86vs Oklahoma State CowboysNov 28
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 8-2Streak W580.1 scored · 66.4 allowed per game4-1 away
- W75-69at Iowa HawkeyesJan 11
- W81-55vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 9
- W73-65at Penn State Nittany LionsJan 4
- W90-55vs Southern JaguarsDec 29
- W91-48vs Missouri TigersDec 23
- L80-83vs Nebraska CornhuskersDec 13
- W88-80at Ohio State BuckeyesDec 10
- W75-62at Tennessee VolunteersDec 7
- L61-74at UConn HuskiesNov 28
- W87-73vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosNov 25
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Illinois Fighting Illini | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-63 | 22-56 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 11-30 | 9-25 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 36 |
| Free throws | 8-8 | 15-17 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 17 |
| Assists | 11 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 2 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 18 |
| Fouls | 12 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 82 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half38-33Nick Martinelli makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half40-33Keaton Wagler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-35Tre Singleton makes layup (Jake West assists)
- 2nd Half43-35Keaton Wagler makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half46-35Tomislav Ivisic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kylan Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half46-38Nick Martinelli makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half48-38Kylan Boswell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half48-40Nick Martinelli makes 0-foot dunk (Arrinten Page assists)
- 2nd Half50-40Keaton Wagler makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Tomislav Ivisic assists)
- 2nd Half50-41Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-42Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Keaton Wagler makes 24-foot three pointer (Kylan Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half53-45Jayden Reid makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-47Jayden Reid makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half56-47Jake Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kylan Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half58-47Keaton Wagler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-47Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-47Keaton Wagler makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half62-49Jayden Reid makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-50Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-51Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-54Jayden Reid makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tre Singleton assists)
- 2nd Half62-55Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-57Arrinten Page makes 1-foot dunk (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half64-57Tomislav Ivisic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-59Jayden Reid makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half66-59Tomislav Ivisic makes layup (Jake Davis assists)
- 2nd Half67-59Tomislav Ivisic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-61Arrinten Page makes layup
- 2nd Half67-62Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-63Kylan Boswell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-63Tomislav Ivisic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Keaton Wagler assists)
- 2nd Half72-64Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-65Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-65Tomislav Ivisic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Keaton Wagler assists)
- 2nd Half75-68Jayden Reid makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nick Martinelli assists)
- 2nd Half77-68Keaton Wagler makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half78-68Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-68Keaton Wagler makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Illinois Fighting Illini.
Venue
- Welsh-Ryan ArenaEvanston, IL
- Attendance7039
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, D.J. Carstensen, Kelly Pfeifer
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond