Illinois rebounds with 71-51 win over Indiana

Mirkovic scores 25 points as Illini bounce back from back-to-back overtime losses

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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David Mirkovic scored 25 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as No. 8 Illinois defeated Indiana 71-51 on Sunday. The Illini rebounded from back-to-back overtime losses, while Kylan Boswell returned from a broken hand to contribute 9 points and 7 rebounds for Illinois. Lamar Wilkerson led Indiana with 21 points, but the Hoosiers were outscored 33-20 in the second half.

Why it matters

This win helps Illinois bounce back after suffering tough overtime losses to Wisconsin and Michigan State. The Illini remain in the hunt for a high seed in the Big Ten tournament, while Indiana's NCAA Tournament hopes took a hit with the double-digit defeat.

The details

Illinois outrebounded Indiana 38-25 and pulled down 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 17 second-chance points. Keaton Wagler scored 18 points and Tomislav Ivisic had 14 for the Illini. Tucker DeVries scored 13 and Sam Alexis had 11 points and 8 rebounds for the Hoosiers.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

David Mirkovic

A forward for Illinois who scored 25 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the win.

Kylan Boswell

Illinois' second-leading scorer and top defensive player, who returned from a broken right hand to play nearly 33 minutes.

Lamar Wilkerson

The leading scorer for Indiana with 21 points, 14 of which came in the first half.

Tucker DeVries

An Indiana player who scored 13 points in the loss.

Sam Alexis

An Indiana player who had 11 points and 8 rebounds in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game highlights Illinois' ability to bounce back from tough losses and remain a contender in the Big Ten, while Indiana's NCAA Tournament hopes took a hit with the double-digit defeat.