Michael Finke scored a game-high 17 points to help the Illini men break a three-game losing skid, winning 76-64 over the Iowa Hawkeyes last night in Champaign. Both teams are now in a five-way tie for 9th place in the Big Ten, with a conference record of 3-5. Illinois improves to 13-8 overall. Iowa drops to 11-10 on the year.

Maryland coach Mark Turgeon didn't let history repeat itself when his team defeated Illinois 62-56 on Saturday. The Terrapins were No. 11 when they came to Champaign two years ago and were upset 64-57 by an Illinois team that did not make the NCAA Tournament.

Newcomers Kipper Nichols and Te'Jon Lucas led the way as the Illini men plowed past MIchigan 85-69 last night in Champaign. Illinois evened its Big Ten record at 2-2, while improving to 12-5 overall. Michigan drops to 11-6, 1-3 in the conference.

The Indiana Hoosiers calmed their fans by sending them into a frenzy. James Blackmon Jr. scored 25 points, Thomas Bryant added 20, and No. 25 Indiana snapped a three-game losing streak with a 96-80 victory over Illinois on Saturday night.

Illinois is 1-1 in the Big Ten after a 75-70 win over Ohio State at State Farm Center in Champaign.  The Illini lost a 15-point lead before recovering to get the win on New Year's Day.