Illinois Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against Northwestern

No. 5 Illinois looks to stay atop Big Ten standings with home matchup against struggling in-state rival

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Surging Illinois, ranked No. 5 in the nation, enters Wednesday's home matchup against in-state rival Northwestern riding an 11-game winning streak. The Fighting Illini have notched impressive victories over top-5 opponents Nebraska and Purdue in recent weeks and are tied for first place in the Big Ten standings. Meanwhile, Northwestern has struggled this season and is looking to recharge during the two-game road trip to Illinois and Iowa.

Why it matters

This game is a key conference matchup with major implications for the Big Ten title race. Illinois is looking to solidify its position atop the standings, while Northwestern is hoping to pull off an upset and gain some momentum for the remainder of the season.

The details

Illinois has been led by the strong play of freshman Keaton Wagler, who has stepped up in big moments, including scoring 23 of his 28 points in the second half to help the Illini rally past Nebraska on Sunday. The Fighting Illini will also look to center Tomislav Ivisic, who had 21 points in the previous meeting with Northwestern. For the Wildcats, leading scorer Nick Martinelli and reserve Arrinten Page will need to provide a spark to keep the game close.

  • Illinois and Northwestern will meet on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • Illinois defeated Northwestern 79-68 in their previous matchup on January 14, 2026.

The players

Keaton Wagler

A freshman guard for Illinois who has emerged as a key contributor, scoring 28 points to help the Fighting Illini rally past Nebraska.

Tomislav Ivisic

The starting center for Illinois who had 21 points in the previous meeting with Northwestern.

Nick Martinelli

The leading scorer for Northwestern, averaging 23.7 points per game this season.

Arrinten Page

A reserve forward for Northwestern who had a strong performance off the bench in the Wildcats' recent loss to Washington.

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What they’re saying

“I think we showed that we are a really good team, that we are really calm in tough moments. Really smart team, makes good decisions. I just feel like we are a team that knows what to do and knows how to get things done in certain moments.”

— Tomislav Ivisic, Center, Illinois

“I knew I had to step it up but I wasn't worried. I mean, I've had low-scoring first halves before, and I've came out and scored a lot in the second half. So I kept doing what I always do, just let the game come to me.”

— Keaton Wagler, Freshman Guard, Illinois

“Two games in 48 hours at the Big Ten level with a lot of young guys playing, we have to get some rest here. (We'll) come back on Monday, dust ourselves off and get ready for the next one.”

— Chris Collins, Head Coach, Northwestern

What’s next

Illinois will look to extend its 11-game winning streak and maintain its position atop the Big Ten standings, while Northwestern hopes to regroup and pull off an upset on the road.

The takeaway

This game showcases the stark contrast between the surging Fighting Illini, who have proven themselves against top-5 opponents, and the struggling Wildcats, who are looking to find their footing in conference play. Illinois' depth and experience should give them the edge, but Northwestern will be looking to pull off a surprise and gain some momentum for the remainder of the season.