Illinois vs. Purdue

Image Taken At Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Purdue Boilermakers Men’s Basketball Game, State Farm Center, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, Friday, March 7, 2025. Courtney Bay/Illinois Athletics

(WAND) — Illinois begins their quest back to back Big Ten Tournament Championships Thursday against Iowa.

The Illini earned the #7 seed in the tournament after finishing the season 12-8 in conference play. 

The Orange and Blue are the defending Big Ten Tournament Champions. Under head Coach Brad Underwood, Illinois has won three conference titles, with B1G Tournament crowns in 2021 and 2024. 

The Fighting Illini are the only program to finish with a winning Big Ten record each of the last six seasons.

The Hawkeyes' record in Big Ten action is 8-13. Iowa averages 82.1 points while outscoring opponents by 3.2 points per game.

The teams meet for the second time this season. Illinois won 81-61 in the last matchup on Feb. 26. Tomislav Ivisic led Illinois with 22 points, and Brock Harding led Iowa with 16 points.

Where to watch Illinois vs Team:

When: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, IN

Time: 5:30 p.m. CT

Watch: Big Ten Network

Listen: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network

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