CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Illinois Fighting Illini opened Big Ten play with a thrilling 88-80 victory over Ohio State on Saturday, marking their best 10-game start under head coach Brad Underwood. Freshman Keaton Wagler led the charge with a career-high 23 points, including a perfect 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. Wagler also recorded a career-best five assists in a standout performance.

Fellow freshman David Mirkovic was equally impressive, contributing 22 points and nine rebounds, while also knocking down a career-high four 3-pointers. Illinois displayed outstanding shooting, finishing 29-of-32 from the free-throw line, a remarkable 90.6%, and hitting 11 three-pointers in the win.

Illinois’ victory extends its streak to four straight wins over Ohio State, the longest such streak since the early 2000s. The Illini have now secured back-to-back victories in Columbus, something they hadn’t accomplished since the late 1990s. With the win, Illinois improves to 8-2 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten, matching their best 10-game start under Underwood.