CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — No. 9 Illinois continued its dominant January run Thursday night, defeating Washington 75–66 at State Farm Center to extend its winning streak to 10 games.
The Illini (18-3, 9-1 Big Ten) finished the month undefeated at 8–0, marking their best January since the 2004–05 season. Illinois’ conference start is also its strongest since that same year, as the Illini remain near the top of the Big Ten standings.
Keaton Wagler led all scorers with 22 points while adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. The performance marked his sixth 20-point game of the season and extended his streak of double-figure scoring to 13 consecutive games. Wagler is averaging 20.2 points during that stretch.
David Mirkovic added 19 points and a team-high six rebounds, scoring in double figures for the fourth straight game. Ben Humrichous chipped in 14 points, knocking down four of his six attempts from beyond the arc.
Illinois made 11 three-pointers and has now hit at least 10 threes in seven straight games, the longest such streak in the conference this season. When reaching that mark, the Illini are 14–2.
Thursday’s game drew the sixth home sellout of the season, with 15,544 fans in attendance. Illinois improved to 11–1 at home, its best home start since the 2019–20 season.