Illinois Extends Winning Streak to Ten with 75‑66 Triumph Over Washington
Updated (2 articles)
Illinois Secures 10‑Game Streak in Big Ten Showdown On January 30, 2026, No. 9 Illinois defeated Washington 75‑66, extending its overall record to 18‑3 and conference mark to 9‑1 [1]. The victory marked the Illini’s tenth consecutive win, the longest run under coach Brad Underwood and the longest active streak in the Big Ten [1]. Illinois entered the game ranked second nationally in free‑throw percentage (79.4%) and maintained its unbeaten home record at the State Farm Center [1].
Keaton Wagler Leads Scoring and Playmaking Wagler posted 22 points and eight assists, continuing his run of 13 straight double‑figure scoring games and marking his 18th double‑figure effort of the season [1]. His performance anchored the Illini offense during a decisive 10‑0 run that broke Washington’s early lead [1]. Wagler’s playmaking complemented the team’s balanced attack, contributing to the win.
Supporting Cast Amplifies Offense with Three‑Point Surge David Mirkovic added 19 points and six rebounds, while Ben Humrichous contributed 14 points on 4‑of‑6 shooting from beyond the arc [1]. Illinois recorded 11 of 33 three‑pointers, extending its streak to seven straight games with at least ten made threes [1]. The team improved its free‑throw shooting in the second half, going 10‑of‑16 after a 4‑of‑9 first‑half effort [1].
Washington Struggles Despite Freshman Double‑Double Freshman Hannes Steinbach posted a 15‑point, 12‑rebound double‑double, yet Washington fell to 11‑10 overall and 3‑7 in the Big Ten [1]. Wesley Yates III added 13 points and Zoom Diallo recorded 12 points with 10 assists, but the Huskies could not halt Illinois’ defensive pressure after the opening seven points [1]. Washington has lost six of its last eight games, highlighting a broader slump.
Implications for Upcoming Conference Matchups Illinois will face No. 5 Nebraska on Sunday, seeking to preserve its home dominance after a lone loss to the Cornhuskers on Dec. 13 [1]. Washington travels to Northwestern on Saturday as it attempts to reverse its recent slide [1]. Both teams’ upcoming games carry significant weight for Big Ten tournament positioning.
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Timeline
Dec 10, 2025 – Keaton Wagler scores 23 points to lead No. 13 Illinois to an 88‑80 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten opener, with David Mirkovic adding 22 and Andrej Stojakovic 17, marking Illinois’ 35th road win in league play since 2019‑20, the most in the conference [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – Illinois converts 29 of 32 free throws, with Wagler, Mirkovic and Stojakovic hitting 23 of 24 from the line, a key factor in sealing the victory [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – Bruce Thornton leads Ohio State with 34 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, but his effort falls short as the Buckeyes lose [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – Tomislav Ivisic’s corner three with 44.7 seconds left caps the Illini’s late surge after Devin Royal’s layup narrows the gap to one possession [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – Illinois schedules its next home game against No. 23 Nebraska on Saturday and Ohio State plans to travel to West Virginia in Cleveland the same day [1].
Dec 13, 2025 – Illinois suffers its only home loss of the season, falling to No. 5 Nebraska at the State Farm Center, ending a perfect home record up to that point [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Keaton Wagler posts 22 points and eight assists, extending his streak to 13 consecutive double‑figure games as No. 9 Illinois defeats Washington 75‑66, improving to 18‑3 overall and 9‑1 in the Big Ten [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Illinois stretches its win streak to ten games, the longest under Brad Underwood and the best run since the 2012‑13 season, establishing the conference’s longest active streak [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – The Illini record their seventh straight game with at least ten made threes and improve free‑throw shooting to 10‑of‑16 (62.5%) after a 4‑of‑9 first‑half performance [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Washington freshman Hannes Steinbach posts a double‑double (15 points, 12 rebounds) but the Huskies fall to 11‑10 overall and 3‑7 in the Big Ten [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Illinois prepares to host No. 5 Nebraska on Sunday, while Washington travels to Northwestern on Saturday for its next matchup [2].