Illinois Basketball Dominates Indiana in 71-51 Win

Illini defense stifles Hoosiers, Boswell's return boosts offense

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team bounced back from a two-game losing streak with a decisive 71-51 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Led by David Mirkovic's game-high 25 points and Keaton Wagler's 18 points, the Illini used a dominant defensive effort and strong rebounding to control the game from start to finish.

Why it matters

This win helps Illinois regain momentum after a brief slump, keeping them in contention for a high seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament. The return of point guard Kylan Boswell from injury also provides a boost to the Illini's offense, making them a more well-rounded team as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Illinois' defense was the key to the victory, forcing 9 Indiana turnovers and holding the Hoosiers to just 40.8% shooting from the field and 25% from three-point range. The Illini also dominated the glass, outrebounding Indiana 38-25 and grabbing 15 offensive rebounds. Offensively, Mirkovic and Wagler led the way, with Boswell's return providing an additional playmaker to complement the Illini's scoring threats.

  • The Illini were coming off a two-game losing streak prior to this game.
  • Kylan Boswell returned from a fractured right hand to play in this game.

The players

David Mirkovic

An Illinois forward who led the team with 25 points and 7 rebounds in the win.

Keaton Wagler

An Illinois guard who scored 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and had 3 steals in the game.

Kylan Boswell

An Illinois point guard who returned from a fractured right hand to provide a boost to the Illini's offense.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team.

Payton Conerway

An Indiana Hoosiers guard who was guarded by Illinois' Ben Humrichhous during the game.

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What’s next

The Illini will look to build on this dominant performance as they continue their push for a high seed in the Big Ten tournament. Their next game is scheduled for February 18th against the Michigan Wolverines.

The takeaway

Illinois' ability to bounce back from a brief slump with a convincing win over a conference rival demonstrates the team's resilience and potential to make a deep postseason run. The return of Kylan Boswell and the Illini's stifling defense will be key factors as they look to solidify their position in the Big Ten standings.