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No. 9 Illinois handles Washington behind Keaton Wagler, David Mirkovic
Wagler scores 22 points, Mirkovic adds 19 as Illini win 10th straight
Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:39am
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Keaton Wagler scored 22 points and dished out 8 assists, while David Mirkovic added 19 points, to lead No. 9 Illinois to a 75-66 victory over Washington in a Big Ten matchup on Thursday night in Champaign, Illinois. The Illini won their 10th consecutive game to join Michigan, Michigan State, and Nebraska atop the Big Ten standings at the midpoint of the season.
Why it matters
This win keeps Illinois firmly in the hunt for the Big Ten title, as they continue their strong start to conference play. The Illini have now defeated a Top 12 opponent for the fourth time in five games, showcasing their ability to win against tough competition.
The details
After falling behind 7-0 early, Illinois reeled off 10 straight points to take the lead for good. The Illini led 33-26 at halftime, then extended their advantage to as many as 10 points in the second half. Washington pulled within 5 points on several occasions but could not get any closer. Illinois shot 42.9% from the field for the game, while limiting the Huskies to a 34-34 tie on the boards.
- The game was played on Thursday, January 30, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois.
The players
Keaton Wagler
A standout sophomore guard for Illinois who scored 22 points and dished out 8 assists in the win.
David Mirkovic
A junior forward for Illinois who contributed 19 points in the victory.
Hannes Steinbach
A senior forward for Washington who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.
The takeaway
Illinois continues to prove itself as one of the top teams in the Big Ten, winning their 10th straight game behind strong performances from Wagler and Mirkovic. The Illini have now defeated four Top 12 opponents in their last five games, showcasing their ability to win against tough competition as they push for a conference title.
