No. 8 Illinois Hopes to Get Key Players Back Against Indiana

Illini need defensive aces Boswell and Stojakovic to slow down hot-shooting Hoosiers

Feb. 14, 2026 at 12:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

No. 8 Illinois is hoping to get top perimeter defenders Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic back from injury for their upcoming game against Indiana. The Illini have struggled to contain opposing guards in their absence, and they'll need to slow down Indiana's hot-shooting Lamar Wilkerson, who has averaged 30.8 points over the past four games.

Why it matters

Illinois has lost two close games to Wisconsin and Michigan State, with the Illini unable to contain the opposing guards without Boswell and Stojakovic in the lineup. Getting those two defensive stoppers back could be crucial in slowing down Wilkerson and the rest of the Hoosiers' offense.

The details

Boswell, who fractured his right hand on Jan. 19, has missed seven games, while Stojakovic has been hobbled by a sprained ankle. In their absence, Illinois has struggled to contain guards like Wisconsin's Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, as well as Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. Boswell is regarded as a game-time decision, while Stojakovic is expected to play. Illinois coach Brad Underwood said the team needs the help, as freshman point guard Keaton Wagler has been forced to shoulder a heavy load in Boswell's absence.

  • Boswell fractured his right hand on Jan. 19 and has missed seven games.
  • Illinois lost in overtime to Wisconsin on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
  • Illinois lost at Michigan State on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The players

Kylan Boswell

A top perimeter defender for Illinois who has missed seven games with a broken hand.

Andrej Stojakovic

Another key perimeter defender for Illinois who has been hobbled by a sprained ankle.

Lamar Wilkerson

Indiana's shooting guard who has averaged 30.8 points over the past four games, including a 41-point outburst against Oregon.

Keaton Wagler

Illinois' freshman point guard who has been forced to shoulder a heavy load in Boswell's absence, averaging 24.6 points and 5.7 assists.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've had some challenges guarding guards since Kylan's been out.”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois Head Coach

“He's got to be in that conversation with a few other guys as the best player in the league this year.”

— Darian DeVries, Indiana Head Coach

What’s next

Illinois will decide on Boswell's status closer to game time, while Stojakovic is expected to play against Indiana on Sunday.

The takeaway

Illinois' ability to get Boswell and Stojakovic back in the lineup will be crucial in slowing down Indiana's high-powered offense, led by the hot-shooting Lamar Wilkerson. The Illini have struggled to contain opposing guards in their absence, and their return could be the difference in this key Big Ten matchup.