CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois men's basketball team returns to the State Farm Center for a Monday night game against Southern University before conference play fills the rest of their schedule.

The Illini are coming off a 43-point victory over Missouri in the annual "Braggin' Rights" game, the largest winning margin in the history of the rivalry.

Head Coach Brad Underwood reflected on the opening stretch of the season, where the team posted a 9-3 record. Each of their losses came to teams who were ranked inside the Top 25 (#11 Texas Tech, #11 Alabama, #23 Nebraska). Understanding of the adversity the team has demonstrated through illness and injury, Underwood is pleased with how his group has grown and is encouraged by the direction they are trending.

"We're growing and I think that's been the the theme from my standpoint," Underwood said. "We had just such a unique fall with all of the injuries and everybody being out and to take this next step forward. I've got myself in a position where I think the Missouri game is a springboard. It's the new standard, of what I think we can be and grow from there."

Prior to the Mizzou matchup, Illinois had more than a week between games, following a home loss to then #23 Nebraska. Following the game against the Cornhuskers, Underwood didn't mince words stressing poor practicing and lack of effort. The rivalry win in Saint Louis was the Illini answering his call to action, even though there's still room to work.

"Did we make mistakes? Absolutely," Underwood adds. "Do we have things we have to improve on? Yes. It was far from a perfect game, but, just the continued growth from the first game. I look at our first real game anyway with Alabama and looking at what was some of the other stops in between and then having it end with the Missouri game. Tremendous amount of growth, individually and team wise. So I'm really excited about where this team can, launch itself to."

Illinois is 18-0 all-time against teams from the SWAC and 2-0 against Southern U. After Monday's matchup, the Illini will enter the thick of Big Ten play where they begin the first two weeks of 2026 on the road in 3 of 4 games.

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