Illinois Basketball Secures Critical Big Ten Road Win Behind Freshman Stars

The Illinois men’s basketball team earned a hard-fought road victory on Tuesday night. They defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 88-80 at Schottenstein Center in Columbus. This win marks their first Big Ten conference game of the 2025-26 season. Freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic led the scoring charge for the Illini.

According to game reports, the Illini improved to 8-2 overall with this result. Ohio State’s record fell to 7-2 after the loss. The victory provides early momentum in the challenging Big Ten schedule.

Illinois Basketball Triumphs in Tough Road Test

Illinois faced a variety of defensive looks from Ohio State coach Jake Diebler. The Buckeyes aimed to slow down Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic. The Illini responded by shooting efficiently from the perimeter.

They made 11 three-pointers on 27 attempts, a 40.7% rate. Free throw shooting was even more impressive. Illinois connected on 29 of 32 attempts from the line.

Keaton Wagler scored a team-high 23 points in 39 minutes. He also contributed five assists. David Mirkovic added 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Wing Andrej Stojakovic scored 17 points, with 13 coming after halftime. His second-half surge helped Illinois create separation. The Illini’s shooting ultimately covered for occasional offensive stagnation.

Freshman Duo Delivers Under Pressure

Keaton Wagler displayed remarkable poise in his first Big Ten road game. He made smart decisions and avoided turnovers under pressure. His scoring inside and out kept Ohio State’s defense off balance.

David Mirkovic showcased his versatile skill set. He hit four three-pointers and battled for interior rebounds. His energy was a constant positive for the Illini.

Rebounding emerged as a concern despite the win. Illinois outrebounded Ohio State 37-30 but lacked consistent effort. Coach Brad Underwood emphasized the need for improvement on the glass.

The Illini’s offense had only three assists in the second half. They also committed six turnovers after the break. These issues will need addressing before the next game.

Illinois basketball proved its mettle with a key conference road win. The freshman stars provided the necessary offensive firepower. This victory establishes a confident start to the Big Ten campaign.

Thought you’d like to know

Who were the top performers for Illinois?

Freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic led the way. Wagler scored 23 points with five assists. Mirkovic added 22 points and nine rebounds.

How important was three-point shooting in the win?

Illinois shot 40.7% from beyond the arc, making 11 threes. This shooting efficiency was crucial in overcoming offensive droughts. It forced Ohio State to extend its defense.

What was the significance of this victory?

This was Illinois’ first true road win and first Big Ten game this season. It builds early conference momentum. The team improved to 8-2 overall.

Who is next on the schedule for Illinois?

Illinois hosts Nebraska this Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on Peacock. It is another Big Ten matchup.

Did Illinois have any areas of concern?

Rebounding and second-half ball movement were issues. The team had only three assists after halftime. Coach Underwood will likely focus on these points.