If you’re scrambling to find out what time does illini play today, you’ve come to the right place. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the State Farm Center in Champaign is the center of the universe for the orange and blue faithful.
The No. 25 Illinois women’s basketball team just wrapped up a thriller against Northwestern. Honestly, it was a bit of a nail-biter toward the end. The game tipped off at 3:00 PM CT and turned into a showcase for Berry Wallace, who basically carried the team on her back during the fourth quarter. If you missed the live action on B1G+, you missed a career-high 29-point performance from Wallace. She scored 12 of those in the final frame to secure a 74-71 victory.
Why the Sunday Schedule Matters
Sunday games in the Big Ten are always a bit different. The atmosphere is usually a mix of families and die-hard students who haven't quite started their Monday prep yet. Today's matchup against Northwestern wasn't just another game on the calendar; it was a gritty "border war" battle that saw the Wildcats nearly erase a late lead. Northwestern's Xamiya Walton hit a massive three-pointer with seven minutes left to cut the lead to one, but Illinois held firm.
For those checking the men’s side of things, they actually played yesterday. They handled Minnesota with a solid 79-68 win. So, if you were looking for a double-header today, you're a day late for the guys, but the women's victory definitely made up for it.
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What Time Does Illini Play Today and Where to Watch?
For future reference—and because Big Ten scheduling can be a maze—here is how the timing typically breaks down for these Sunday slots.
The 3:00 PM CT window is the "sweet spot" for Big Ten women's hoops. It allows for national broadcasts to wrap up their early afternoon windows while giving local fans time to get to the arena after lunch. Today's game was broadcast on B1G+, the conference's dedicated streaming service.
While some fans find the move to streaming-only games a bit of a hassle, it’s basically the only way to catch every single minute of the action when the main Big Ten Network is occupied with other sports like wrestling or gymnastics.
👉 See also: Nebraska Cornhuskers Women's Basketball: What Really Happened This Season
Breaking Down the Next Few Games
If you’re already looking past today, the schedule stays busy.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: The Men's team hosts Maryland at 6:00 PM CT.
- Saturday, Jan 24: A massive road test for the Men at Purdue, tipping at 2:00 PM CT.
- Thursday, Jan 29: Men vs. Washington at 8:00 PM CT (a late one!).
Surprising Details About the 2026 Season
Something most people get wrong about this season is the impact of the newer conference members. We aren't just looking at the "Traditional" Big Ten anymore. With teams like Washington and Oregon in the mix, travel schedules have become a nightmare for the equipment managers.
Also, have you noticed the new tech at the stadium? The university recently installed a massive new video display—the largest in college football, actually—but the upgrades have spilled over into the basketball experience too. The acoustics at the State Farm Center feel sharper this year, making those "I-L-L" "I-N-I" chants genuinely deafening.
✨ Don't miss: Nebraska Basketball Women's Schedule: What Actually Matters This Season
Actionable Steps for Illini Fans
Since you're looking for game times, you're clearly a fan who wants to stay in the loop. Don't just rely on a quick search every Sunday.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Fighting Illini website and download the "Add to Calendar" file. It automatically updates when TV networks change the tip-off times (which happens more than you'd think).
- Check B1G+ Subscriptions: If you’re a serious fan, that subscription is basically mandatory at this point to see the non-televised women's games and wrestling meets.
- The Weather Factor: It’s January in Illinois. Always check the forecast before heading to the State Farm Center. A light dusting of snow in Champaign can turn the parking situation into a total disaster.
The Illini are currently ranked and making a serious push for a high seed in the tournament. Keeping track of what time does illini play today is the first step in following what is shaping up to be a historic season for both the men's and women's programs.