Illinois plays UT Rio Grande Valley in a quick doubleheader after a 40-point win, focusing on growth ahead of a key game against UConn.

No. 8 Illinois faces UT Rio Grande Valley in a quick, NCAA Tournament-style doubleheader following a 40-point win over Long Island. Despite UTRGV’s 2-3 record, coach Brad Underwood stresses treating the game seriously, citing strong performances by guard Marvin McGhee and forward Filip Brankovic. Injuries to key players have led to lineup experimentation, including multiple point guards on the floor, as the Illini adjust to the absence of Mihailo Petrovic. Underwood emphasizes consistent effort regardless of score, cautioning against complacency after the dominant win. The team’s focus remains on growth ahead of a high-stakes Black Friday game against No. 3 UConn.