If you're refreshing your feed trying to find out what was the score of the illini game, you've probably realized that "the game" depends entirely on which season you're currently living in. It has been a wild stretch for the Orange and Blue. Between a historic upset on the hardwood and a nail-biter on the football field in Nashville, there is a lot to catch up on.
Honestly, the energy around Champaign right now is electric. Whether you are looking for the men's hoops result from Wednesday or that massive women's basketball upset that people are still talking about, I’ve got the actual numbers for you right here. No fluff, just the scores.
The Recent Men's Hoops Result: Illinois vs. Northwestern
The most recent outing for the #13 ranked Illinois men's basketball team was a trip to Evanston on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you missed it, the Illini kept their momentum rolling with a solid road win.
The Final Score: Illinois 79, Northwestern 68.
It wasn't just about the win; it was how they did it. Fresh off being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the third time, Keaton Wagler has been playing like a veteran. This win at Welsh-Ryan Arena pushed the Illini's record and kept them right in the thick of the Big Ten title race. They basically controlled the tempo for most of the second half, refusing to let the Wildcats claw back into it.
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The Shocking Upset: Illinois Women’s Basketball vs. #7 Maryland
Now, if you were asking about "the game" in the context of a program-defining moment, we have to talk about New Year’s Day. This is the one that showed up on everyone's Google Discover feed for a reason.
On January 1, 2026, the Illinois women's basketball team hosted #7 Maryland at the State Farm Center. Most people expected the Terrapins to cruise. They didn't.
The Final Score: Illinois 73, Maryland 70.
This wasn't a fluke. It was a gritty, come-from-behind victory that snapped a long drought against top-10 opponents. Berry Wallace was absolutely a force, putting up 22 points and 7 rebounds. What’s wild is that Illinois trailed 39-34 at the half and 60-55 late in the fourth quarter. Then, Jasmine Brown-Hagger hit a massive corner three that tied it up, and the Illini defense turned into a brick wall. They forced 18 Maryland turnovers.
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Cearah Parchment also had a monster game with 17 points and three blocks. It was the kind of win that makes you think this team is a legit contender for a deep March run.
Don't Forget the Gridiron: The Music City Bowl
Because the calendar just flipped, a lot of fans are still searching for the football score from the bowl game. It was one of the best games of the entire bowl season, hands down.
On December 30, 2025, Illinois took on #23 Tennessee in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.
The Final Score: Illinois 30, Tennessee 28.
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Luke Altmyer cemented his legacy as one of the greatest QBs to ever wear the helmet. He led a 13-play, 64-yard drive in the final minutes to set up David Olano for a 29-yard field goal as time expired.
Think about that. A walk-off field goal to beat an SEC team and secure back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time in the history of the program. Bret Bielema has officially changed the culture in Champaign. The Illini finished 9-4, and Altmyer ended his career as the school's all-time leader in completion percentage.
What's Next for the Illini?
If you're keeping track of what was the score of the illini game to see where they stand in the rankings, the road ahead is tough but promising.
- Men's Basketball: The Illini return home to the State Farm Center to face Minnesota on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM CT. You can catch that one on BTN.
- Women's Basketball: After the Maryland upset, the target on their back is huge. They've won 11 straight and are looking like a lock for the tournament.
- Football: With the 2025 season officially over, the focus shifts to the transfer portal and recruiting. Replacing Altmyer is going to be the biggest storyline of the spring.
Summary of Recent Scores
| Date | Sport | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 14, 2026 | Men's Basketball | Northwestern | W, 79-68 |
| Jan 11, 2026 | Men's Basketball | #19 Iowa | W, 75-69 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Women's Basketball | #7 Maryland | W, 73-70 |
| Dec 30, 2025 | Football | #23 Tennessee | W, 30-28 |
It is a great time to be a fan. Both basketball programs are ranked or hovering near the top of the Big Ten, and the football team just finished its most successful two-year stretch ever.
To stay updated on the next game, make sure to sync your digital calendar with the official Fighting Illini schedule. If you're heading to the State Farm Center for the Minnesota game this Saturday, get there early—the "Orange Krush" is expected to be out in full force.