We haven't even hit the regular season yet, and Illinois basketball is already bringing excitement to the fanbase.
Illinois played an exhibition game over the weekend that wasn't televised, and it is all I can think about. Even with David Mirkovic on the mend, the Illini traveled to Cincinnati and beat the Bearcats, 105-96.
This was a good showing considering the amount of new talent that was on the court. Brad Underwood took this chance to get some experience for the newcomers and freshmen. Illinois played four freshmen in the game, and this will only help the program down the road.
Next up on the exhibition tour is Baylor. The Bears might be pretty good this season, as usual. They just beat No. 1 Florida in an exhibition game in overtime. The fact that they can take down the top team in the country means they have the dogs to run with anyone.
A man-down Illinois team needs to be ready for this fight. Getting our doors blown off would be a bad look, even though it is an exhibition game. Let's see what the Orange and Blue can bring to the table.
Here is the Illinois basketball vs Baylor: How to watch, odds, injuries, announcers & more
How to watch Illinois basketball vs. Baylor exhibition
- Date: Friday, October 23
- Time: 7:00 p.m. CT/8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: State Farm Center
- How to watch (TV/Streaming): BTN+
- Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network
- Illinois record: 0-0
- Baylor record: 0-0
Announcers for Illinois basketball vs Baylor
TBD
Illinois basketball vs Baylor odds, spread, and total
N/A
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Illinois basketball injury report
F David Mirkovic – Out
Baylor injury report
None
Illinois basketball vs. Baylor series history
- All-time meetings: 4
- Illinois all-time record vs. Baylor: 3-1
- Last meeting: December 2, 2020 (L 82-69)
- Last win over Baylor: November 28, 2014 (W 62-54)
Illinois doesn't have a strong rivalry with Baylor. While this is an exhibition game, it is always good to take it as a dress rehearsal. Illinois needs to be ready for the regular season, and quality matchups like this are key.
Historically, the Illini have fared well against the Bears. We are 3-1 all time, but Baylor did get the best of us in the last matchup in 2020, 82-69. The first game between the two programs was back in 1986, when Illinois won the game 92-68 at Assembly Hall.
Today's best reads
- Brad Underwood's plan for David Mirkovic will only help Illinois basketball down the road
- Illinois basketball is just starting the David Mirkovic accolade tour
- David Mirkovic is elite, but UConn gets the best of Illinois basketball again in sophomore rankings
- David Mirkovic has an alter ego when he steps on the court for Illinois
- Early Illinois National Championship odds builds even more hype for Brad Underwood's team
This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as Illinois basketball vs Baylor: How to watch, odds, injuries, announcers & more.