Illinois hosts Maryland in a Big Ten game, relying on its twin forwards amid key injuries.

No. 11 Illinois, on a seven-game win streak, hosts Maryland in a Big Ten clash, relying on the defensive and rebounding strength of Croatian twin forwards Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, who combined for 28 points and 16 rebounds in a recent win over Minnesota. Zvonimir, a transfer from Kentucky and Arkansas, brings elite defensive awareness, while both twins shoot around 37% from three. Illinois is led by Keaton Wagler (16.1 ppg), but starting guard Kylan Boswell is out until mid-February with a hand fracture, and Andrej Stojakovic may miss the game after injuring his leg. Maryland, struggling with a 2-7 Big Ten record, is powered by 5-foot-11 guard David Coit, who scored a career-high 43 points and made nine three-pointers in a win over Penn State, drawing praise for his scoring versatility. Coach Buzz Williams used an unconventional halftime strategy, moving his team to a loading dock to shift perspective.