Here are three more key numbers that explain just how the Illini were able to turn things around and escape with a win at home – and why they fell behind in the first place: 5.

What channel is the Ohio State basketball vs Illinois game on today? Here's how to watch, including time, TV schedule, live streaming info and game odds.

Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and Ohio State's forward Aaron Bradshaw (4) in a NCAA basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. Scott Richey covers college basketball for The News-Gazette. His email is [email protected], and you can follow him on Twitter ( @srrichey ).

The Illini (15-7, 7-5 Big Ten) celebrated the healthy return of center Tomislav Ivisic (mono) by outrebounding Ohio State 43-31 and hammering the Buckeyes (13-9, 5-6) inside – especially in the second half. Illinois outscored the visitors 52-30 in the paint.

Ohio State didn't play smart enough, its bench disappeared and Illinois took advantage. Here are 5 takeaways from Sunday's loss.

Don't look now, but the Ohio State basketball team might be getting hot at the right time. After losing three in a row by a combined total of five points, the Buckeyes have rattled off three wins in a row and done so in convincing fashion.

Coach Jake Diebler and the Ohio State men's hoops like they would extend their winning streak for much of the afternoon, but Illinois rallied late.

Ohio State basketball had a problem finding the hoop in the second half and dropped a game to Illinois on the road Sunday.