When and where is the game?
Friday, November 28, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
#13 Illinois and #5 UConn Clash in Black Friday Showdown | Andreas Obst Named BBL MVP, Ending Decades-Long Wait | Rockets' Reliance on Amen Thompson Exposed in Playoff Loss | NBA Playoff Previews: Lakers-Thunder, Cavaliers-Pistons, and Expert Betting Tips | Caris LeVert's Struggles and Impact on the Pistons' Rotation | Kyle Anderson Available for Round 2 Opener | Timberwolves Front Office Stability: Connelly and Lloyd | NBA Playoff Predictions and Analysis: May 6, 2026 | Carter Bryant Injury Update: Spurs Rookie Out for Game 1 | #13 Illinois and #5 UConn Clash in Black Friday Showdown | Andreas Obst Named BBL MVP, Ending Decades-Long Wait | Rockets' Reliance on Amen Thompson Exposed in Playoff Loss | NBA Playoff Previews: Lakers-Thunder, Cavaliers-Pistons, and Expert Betting Tips | Caris LeVert's Struggles and Impact on the Pistons' Rotation | Kyle Anderson Available for Round 2 Opener | Timberwolves Front Office Stability: Connelly and Lloyd | NBA Playoff Predictions and Analysis: May 6, 2026 | Carter Bryant Injury Update: Spurs Rookie Out for Game 1
Basketball / College
#13 Illinois and #5 UConn Clash in Black Friday Showdown
The #13 Illinois Fighting Illini and the #5 UConn Huskies are set to face off in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup at Madison Square Garden on Black Friday. This game marks a significant test for both teams early in the season.
Key Insights
- Illinois and UConn are meeting for the fifth time in history, with UConn holding a 3-1 series lead. Their last encounter was in the 2024 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
- Illinois boasts a potent offense, averaging 94.6 points per game, while UConn counters with a strong defense, allowing only 61.3 points per game.
- Players to watch include Illinois' Andrej Stojakovic (18.5 ppg) and David Mirkovic (15.1 ppg, 10.3 rpg), and UConn's Alex Karaban (14.3 ppg) and Silas Demary Jr. (12.5 ppg, 6.3 apg).
- UConn has a strong history at Madison Square Garden, holding a 77-62 all-time record at the venue.
- Illinois is 1-1 this season vs. Top 25 teams, with a home win over No. 11 Texas Tech (81-77) on Nov. 11, and a narrow 90-86 loss to #11 Alabama on Nov. 18 at Chicago's United Center.
In-Depth Analysis
The game presents a clash of styles, with Illinois' high-scoring offense testing UConn's stingy defense. Illinois is led by junior guard Andrej Stojakovic, who is averaging a team-best 18.5 points on 58.8% shooting. Freshman forward David Mirkovic is averaging nearly a double-double. UConn is paced by Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr.
UConn's strong play at Madison Square Garden gives them a historical edge, but Illinois' recent wins demonstrate their ability to compete against top-ranked teams. The game will likely hinge on whether UConn can contain Illinois' scoring and if Illinois can solve UConn's defense.
The SportsLine Projection Model predicts the game to go Over on the total (154.5 points).
FAQ
What TV channel is the game on?
FOX (Kenny Albert & Steve Smith).
Where can I find live stats?
StatBroadcast.
What is the series history between UConn and Illinois?
UConn leads the series 3-1.
Takeaways
- Expect a high-intensity game between two top-ranked teams.
- Watch for key players like Andrej Stojakovic and Alex Karaban to lead their respective teams.
- UConn's defense will be crucial in containing Illinois' offense.
- The game could be a potential NCAA Tournament preview.
Discussion
Who do you think will win this Top 25 matchup? Share your predictions below!
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Sources
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
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