West Lafayette, Indiana, January 25, 2026
In a thrilling Big Ten matchup, the No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers 88-82. Freshman guard Keaton Wagler scored a career-high 46 points, setting a new record for an Illinois freshman. Despite a late-game push from Purdue, Illinois outscored them 20-9 in the final minutes to secure the win. This victory is significant for head coach Brad Underwood as it marks his 100th win in the Big Ten, improving Illinois’ record to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in the conference.
West Lafayette, Indiana
Freshman Keaton Wagler’s 46-Point Performance Leads No. 11 Illinois to 88-82 Victory Over No. 4 Purdue
In a thrilling Big Ten matchup on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Mackey Arena, the No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers 88-82. The standout of the game was Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who scored a career-high 46 points, setting a new record for the most points ever scored by an Illinois freshman and tying the all-time single-game scoring record for the program. Wagler’s impressive performance included nine three-pointers, 13 field goals, and 11 free throws. David Mirkovic contributed 12 points and eight rebounds for the Illini, who improved to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten Conference. Purdue, now 17-3 and 7-2 in the conference, was led by Braden Smith, who recorded 27 points and 12 assists. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 12 points for the Boilermakers. Despite shooting over 56% from the field and committing only three turnovers, Purdue struggled with rebounding, allowing Illinois 13 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points. This loss marked Purdue’s second consecutive defeat, following a 69-67 loss to UCLA earlier in the week. The game was closely contested, with Purdue holding a five-point lead at 73-68 with 4:36 remaining, but Illinois outscored them 20-9 in the final minutes to secure the win. The victory also marked Illinois head coach Brad Underwood’s 100th win in the Big Ten.
Key Moments
- Wagler’s Record-Breaking Performance: Keaton Wagler’s 46 points set a new record for an Illinois freshman and tied the program’s all-time single-game scoring record.
- Late-Game Surge: Illinois outscored Purdue 20-9 in the final 4:36 to secure the victory.
- Rebounding Disparity: Illinois’ 13 offensive rebounds led to 18 second-chance points, contributing to Purdue’s second consecutive loss.
Background
The game was a highly anticipated Big Ten showdown between two top-ranked teams. Both Illinois and Purdue entered the contest with identical 7-1 conference records, making the outcome crucial for conference standings. The matchup featured two of the nation’s most efficient offenses, with Illinois ranked first and Purdue second in offensive efficiency.
Looking Ahead
Following this victory, Illinois will look to maintain their momentum as they continue their conference schedule. Purdue, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and address their rebounding issues in preparation for their upcoming games. Both teams remain strong contenders in the Big Ten, and this game has set the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
FAQ
- Who was the standout player in the Illinois vs. Purdue game?
- Freshman guard Keaton Wagler led Illinois with a career-high 46 points, setting a new record for an Illinois freshman and tying the program’s all-time single-game scoring record.
- What was the final score of the game?
- Illinois defeated Purdue 88-82.
- How did Purdue perform in the game?
- Purdue was led by Braden Smith, who recorded 27 points and 12 assists. Despite shooting over 56% from the field and committing only three turnovers, Purdue struggled with rebounding, allowing Illinois 13 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points.
- What was the significance of this game for Illinois head coach Brad Underwood?
- The victory marked Illinois head coach Brad Underwood’s 100th win in the Big Ten.
- What is the current record of both teams after this game?
- Illinois improved to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten Conference, while Purdue fell to 17-3 and 7-2 in the conference.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Standout Player | Keaton Wagler scored a career-high 46 points, setting a new record for an Illinois freshman and tying the program’s all-time single-game scoring record. |
| Final Score | Illinois defeated Purdue 88-82. |
| Purdue’s Performance | Braden Smith led Purdue with 27 points and 12 assists. Despite shooting over 56% from the field and committing only three turnovers, Purdue struggled with rebounding, allowing Illinois 13 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points. |
| Significance for Coach Underwood | The victory marked Illinois head coach Brad Underwood’s 100th win in the Big Ten. |
| Current Records | Illinois improved to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten Conference, while Purdue fell to 17-3 and 7-2 in the conference. |
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