EVANSTON, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois men’s basketball team remains undefeated in 2026.

The Illini triumphed over Northwestern with a 79-68 victory on Wednesday, marking their sixth consecutive win. This victory was significant as it ended a three-game losing streak in Evanston, with their last win at Welsh-Ryan Arena dating back to 2022.

Illinois started strong, racing to an early 6-0 lead. However, Northwestern quickly responded, briefly taking the lead in the first half. Despite this, Illinois managed to regain control, leading 38-33 at halftime.

The second half saw Illinois extend their advantage to a 15-point lead with 9:43 remaining. Yet, the game became tense when freshman Keaton Wagler received a flagrant foul, followed by a technical foul on the Illinois bench.

These incidents fueled Northwestern’s comeback attempt, reducing the deficit to just four points, with Illinois leading 67-63 and 4:57 left on the clock.

Tomislav Ivisic was instrumental in holding off the late push from the Wildcats. He hit two three-pointers in the final three minutes, finishing with 21 points. It marks T. Ivisic’s highest scoring output since the first game of the season, when he also scored 21, against Jackson State.

Wagler scored just two points in the first half, but woke up in a big way down the stretch – finishing with a team-high 22 points. Kylan Boswell finished with 13.

Northwestern senior Nick Martinelli, who entered Wednesday’s contest as the Big Ten’s leading scorer, posted 20 points.

Illinois hasn’t lost since Dec. 13, when Nebraska won on a last-second shot in Champaign. Illinois improves to 14-3 overall and 5-1 in Big Ten play with the win. The victory also improves Underwood’s team to 4-0 in conference road games.

Illinois returns home for a meeting with Minnesota on Saturday, Jan. 17.