NEW YORK – No. 13 Illinois will face No. 5 uconn in a Black Friday showdown at Madison Square Garden, continuing a tradition of high-stakes matchups for the Fighting Illini in the World’s Most Famous Arena. The game marks Illinois’ first contest against a Top 5-ranked opponent as a February clash with No. 3 Duke at MSG.
Illinois boasts a 3-2 record at Madison Square Garden under head coach Brad Underwood, highlighted by victories over ranked opponents. Those wins include triumphs against #17 Texas (85-78 in OT, December 6, 2022) and #11 FAU (98-89, December 5, 2023). The Illini’s overall record against Top 5 teams stands at 29-97, with an 8-24 mark at neutral sites.
The Fighting Illini’s most recent victory over a Top 5 foe occurred in March 2024, when they defeated No. 4 Iowa State 72-69 in the NCAA Tournament sweet 16. Underwood’s tenure has seen Illinois go 5-14 against Top 5 opponents. as the 2019-20 season, the Illini have secured five wins against top 5 teams, a total tied for sixth-most nationally.
Friday’s game against UConn will be Illinois’ latest test against elite competition, with the outcome potentially impacting their standing in the national rankings and NCAA tournament seeding.
