Illinois vs UConn: Black Friday Showdown at MSG

Illinois vs UConn: A Black Friday Clash at Madison Square Garden

College basketball fans are in for a treat this Black Friday as two elite programs collide in New York City. The No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1) face off against the No. 5 UConn Huskies (5-1) in a highly anticipated non-conference showdown at Madison Square Garden. This marquee matchup tips off at 12:30 PM ET on November 28th, 2025, and will be broadcast nationally on FOX.

Teams on Collision Course

Both teams bring impressive credentials into this neutral-site contest. Illinois enters the game riding a two-game winning streak after dominating Long Island and UTRGV, boasting one of the nation's most potent offenses averaging 94.6 points per game. The Illini have been particularly dominant at home, winning all six State Farm Center games by an average margin of 30 points.

UConn, meanwhile, comes off a 72-49 victory over Bryant where Silas Demary Jr. recorded his first career triple-double. The Huskies have been defensive stalwarts, ranking 13th nationally in scoring defense (61.3 ppg) while maintaining a top-15 offense according to advanced analytics. Their only loss came against No. 4 Arizona.

Star Power Galore

This game features a fascinating contrast of styles led by elite talent. Illinois counters with unprecedented offensive balance, fielding FIVE double-digit scorers:

• Andrej Stojakovic (18.5 PPG, 58.8% FG) - Scorching hot with 23.3 PPG over his last three games
• David Mirkovic (15.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG) - Historic freshman with 20-point, 20-rebound game
• Kylan Boswell (16.1 PPG, 4.1 APG) - Only Big Ten player averaging 16/4/4
• Keaton Wagler (15.0 PPG) - Nation's #3 freshman in free throws made
• Tomislav Ivisic (10.8 PPG) - Sharpshooting big at 63% FG and 40% 3PT

UConn counters with a veteran backcourt trio:

• Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG, 52.6% FG, 50% 3PT)
• Solo Ball (14.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG)
• Silas Demary Jr. (12.5 PPG, 6.3 APG) - Leads nation in assists

Series History and Revenge Narrative

UConn holds a commanding 3-1 edge in the all-time series, including a resounding 77-52 victory in last year's NCAA Elite Eight. The Huskies' 30-0 run in that Boston showdown remains a memorable moment in college basketball history. Illinois, however, is seeking both revenge and its highest-ranked win since defeating No. 4 Iowa State in last year's Sweet 16.

For UConn, this continues their remarkable Madison Square Garden legacy. The Huskies sport a 15-8 record under Dan Hurley at The Garden, including an 8-2 mark in their last 10 games. They've played more games at MSG than any venue outside their home arenas.

Betting Preview and Prediction

The sportsbooks have UConn favored by 1.5 points with an over/under of 154.5. Despite Illinois' offensive fireworks, SportsLine's projection model favors the OVER, projecting 156 combined points. The model also indicates one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time in simulations.

Key betting angles to consider:

• UConn -1.5 (-140)
• OVER 154.5
• UConn Moneyline (-140)

What to Watch For

This game will be decided by several critical factors:

1. Frontcourt Battle: Can Illinois' freshman David Mirkovic (10.3 RPG) handle UConn's physical defense?
2. Tempo Control: Will Illinois push pace or UConn grind it into a half-court slugfest?
3. Elite Defense vs Elite Offense: UConn's #13 scoring defense against Illinois' #8 offense (KenPom)
4. Experience Factor: UConn's veteran backcourt vs Illinois' talented but young core

Conclusion

More than just a non-conference game, this is a statement contest for two programs with Final Four aspirations. Illinois looks to prove they belong among the nation's elite after last year's Elite Eight appearance, while UConn aims to build momentum toward another national title run. With the game at the world's most famous arena and national television exposure, expect a high-intensity, physical battle that could preview a potential March rematch.