Illinois cruised to a 91-48 victory over Missouri on Monday night to close out a challenging slate of high-major non-conference matchups. The Illini faced five high-major opponents during non-conference play
and finished an impressive 3–2.
According to ESPN’s BPI, Illinois owns the No. 24-ranked non-conference strength of schedule and the No. 14 overall strength of schedule. The Illini consistently challenged themselves throughout November and December, which should pay dividends as the season progresses.
Wins over Texas Tech, Tennessee, and Missouri before New Year’s could help Illinois secure a protected seed in the NCAA Tournament. A protected seed is defined as a top-16 overall seed or a top-four seed in a region. Earning a top-16 overall seed would put the Illini in a strong position to reach the second weekend of the tournament.
Illinois will play its final non-conference game on Dec. 29 and should be expected to restart Big Ten play next month with a 10-3 overall record.
Southern enters Monday’s matchup at 4-8 on the season and is coming off a 44-point blowout loss to Baylor. Illinois should have no issues closing out 2025 with a win and finishing non-league play on a high note.
Within that projected 10-3 record, the Illini would own three Quad 1 wins and maintain strong predictive metrics across KenPom, Bart Torvik, and BPI. Those are numbers that support a high seed in March.
According to Bracket Matrix and my own Bracketology, Illinois is currently projected as a No. 4 seed on Selection Sunday. Eleven weeks away!
