CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — No. 20 Illinois delivered a wire-to-wire performance Sunday night, defeating Southern 90–55 at State Farm Center to move to 10–3 on the season.
Keaton Wagler finished just shy of a triple-double, recording 11 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds while adding two steals. Wagler sat for the final five minutes but still posted his second points-assists double-double of the season and his fifth straight game scoring in double figures.
Jake Davis turned in his best performance in an Illinois uniform, scoring a season-high 15 points and tying his career high with five three-pointers. Zvonimir Ivisic added 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including three three-pointers, along with three blocks. Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic each chipped in 11 points, giving the Illini five players in double figures.
Illinois controlled the boards, outrebounding Southern 45–26 and converting 16 offensive rebounds into 18 second-chance points. The Illini also shared the ball effectively, recording 22 assists on 30 made field goals.
The win continued Illinois’ dominance at home against nonconference opponents. The Illini have now won eight straight nonconference games at State Farm Center and extended their streak to 36 consecutive home victories against unranked nonconference teams dating back to December 2019.