Illinois Basketball to finish off 2025 vs Southern: Gameday Guide and Preview

Illinois basketball will return home on Monday, December 29, to host Southern in a non-conference matchup at the State Farm Center. This game marks the Illini’s final tune-up before Big Ten play resumes at the turn of the calendar year.

Date: Monday, December 29
Time: 2:00 p.m. CST
Channel: BTN

Illinois enters the contest with a 2–0 all-time record against Southern. I fully expect them to have little trouble adding another win to that total. The Illini defeated the Jaguars 88–60 in 2023 and cruised to a 102–55 victory in 2017.

The talent gap between these two programs is certainly significant, and Illinois is expected to control the game from start to finish in this third matchup. 

Southern is just 4–8 on the season and has dropped four consecutive games. Three of the Jaguars’ four wins have come against non–Division I opponents, while they have suffered lopsided losses to Arkansas, Marquette, Texas, and Baylor.

Illinois basketball is coming off one of its most impressive performances of the season. They were dominant in a 43-point victory over Missouri in the annual Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis. The Tigers were held to just 48 points and never seriously threatened, as the Illini controlled the game on both ends of the floor. After allowing 83 points in a loss to Nebraska, Illinois showed noticeable defensive improvement against Missouri and will look to carry that momentum forward.

The Illini will aim to close out their non-conference schedule on a high note by earning their 10th win of the season. With three Quad 1 victories already on their resume, Illinois is well-positioned heading into conference play and will look to build even more momentum as Big Ten competition begins.

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