CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — It was a whirlwind 24 hours for Illinois basketball player Ben Humrichous, who celebrated a rivalry win on the court and a major life milestone off it.

Less than a day after helping the Illini defeat Missouri in St. Louis for a third straight Braggin’ Rights victory, Humrichous traded his jersey for a suit and married former Illinois women’s basketball standout Adalia McKenzie.

Humrichous said the timing made the win even more important, as he missed his own rehearsal dinner to be with the team for the matchup against the Tigers.

The couple first met last season while both were student-athletes at Illinois, crossing paths in the training room. Humrichous said their shared experiences as athletes have helped strengthen their bond.

The newlyweds now begin married life with a memorable story—one that blends college basketball, rivalry pride and a wedding weekend they won’t soon forget.