The Illini (12-3, 3-1 Big Ten) seized control early and never let go, holding Rutgers (8-8, 1-4) to just 16 points in the first half while building a commanding 43-16 halftime lead. Illinois closed the opening period on a decisive 20-0 run over the final eight minutes, effectively ending the contest before the break.
Keaton Wagler led all scorers with 17 points and added seven rebounds and three assists, continuing a strong stretch of play. The sophomore recorded his 12th double-digit scoring game of the season and his seventh straight with at least 10 points, averaging 17.7 points per game during that span.
Illinois’ depth again proved decisive. Tomislav Ivisic finished with 14 points, four rebounds and a block, knocking down a 3-pointer for the 10th time in 12 games this season. Andrej Stojakovic contributed 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds, while Jake Davis sparked the Illini from the perimeter, drilling four 3-pointers on his way to 12 points and a team-best plus-28 rating.
Kylan Boswell orchestrated the offense with nine points, five rebounds and a game-high five assists as Illinois shot efficiently and consistently found open looks. The Illini connected on 11 three-pointers and improved to 8-2 this season when making at least 10 from beyond the arc.
Defense set the tone throughout the night. Illinois limited Rutgers to its lowest first-half point total of the season, forced tough shots, and controlled the glass, outrebounding the Scarlet Knights 45-32. It marked the 13th time in 15 games Illinois has won the rebounding battle, improving to 11-2 in those contests.
The victory extended Illinois’ perfect home record all-time against Rutgers to 9-0 and pushed the Illini to 14-5 in the all-time series. It was also Illinois’ 84th Big Ten win since the 2019-20 season, second-most in the league over that span.