COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — The Illinois Fighting Illini used a balanced scoring attack to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes 88-80 in a Big Ten Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Value City Arena. Illinois led 48-42 at halftime and maintained its advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 9,974. Keaton Wagler scored 23 points and David Mirkovic added 22 for the Illini, who improved to 8-2. Andrej Stojakovic scored 17. Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton poured in a game-high 34 points in the loss. The Buckeyes fell to 7-2. Illinois shot effectively from the field and the free-throw line to secure the road victory.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — In a high-octane Big Ten clash defined by offensive firepower and a relentless individual performance, the Illinois Fighting Illini outlasted the Ohio State Buckeyes 88-80 on Tuesday night at Value City Arena. The game pivoted on a staggering scoring duel between Illinois’ balanced, efficient attack and a heroic, career-high effort from Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton. Despite Thornton pouring in 34 points, the Fighting Illini’s superior three-point shooting and near-flawless work at the free-throw line proved the difference before a crowd of 9,974. Illinois, improving to 8-2 overall, never trailed after the opening minute but could never fully shake the Buckeyes, who fell to 7-2. The Fighting Illini led 48-42 at halftime and maintained a working margin throughout the second half, answering every Ohio State push with a critical basket. The most decisive stretch came late in the second half. With Illinois leading 76-70 and under three minutes to play, Ohio State’ Devin Royal was fouled and made two free throws to cut the deficit to four. On the ensuing possession, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler drove and had his layup blocked by Christoph Tilly, but the Buckeyes could not secure the rebound. After a scramble, Illinois’ Kylan Boswell was fouled and made one of two free throws. Thornton then missed a three-pointer that would have brought Ohio State within two. Illinois capitalized when Tomislav Ivisic sank a crucial three-pointer off an assist from Wagler with 46 seconds left, extending the lead to 79-72 and effectively sealing the outcome. Thornton’s brilliance kept the Buckeyes in contention. The junior from Fairburn, Georgia, played 40 minutes, shooting 12 of 22 from the field and 6 of 13 from beyond the arc. He added six assists. Yet, he received limited support. Devin Royal scored 15 points and Christoph Tilly added 13, but the rest of the roster combined for just 18 points. Ohio State’s offense, which managed just three total assists, often devolved into Thornton creating in isolation. Illinois countered with a multifaceted effort. Keaton Wagler, a 6-foot-6 guard from Shawnee, Kansas, led the Illini with 23 points and five assists. Montenegrin forward David Mirkovic dominated inside and out, scoring 22 points and grabbing several key defensive rebounds. Andrej Stojakovic provided 17 points, and 7-foot-2 Croatian center Zvonimir Ivisic added 13 points off the bench, including two three-pointers. The statistical disparity told the story of Illinois’ efficiency. While Ohio State made more field goals (28 to 24), Illinois was markedly better from distance, hitting 11 of 27 three-point attempts compared to Ohio State’s 9 of 28. The most glaring gap came at the foul line, where Illinois was a remarkable 29 of 32. Ohio State attempted 21 free throws, making 15. Defensively, Illinois overcame Ohio State’s advantages in points in the paint (34-24) and fast-break points (12-4) by limiting second chances. The Fighting Illini grabbed eight offensive rebounds to Ohio State’s four and committed only nine turnovers. The victory marked a significant road win for Illinois in early conference play, following a strong non-conference slate that included a win at Tennessee. Ohio State, coming off a close road win at Northwestern, saw its two losses this season come by a combined nine points. Illinois next hosts Nebraska on Saturday. Ohio State faces West Virginia on Saturday in Cleveland. The game’s total points, 168, surpassed the pregame over/under line of 154.5. Illinois entered as a 3.5-point favorite, covering the spread.

Preview: Illinois at Ohio State Set for Top-20 Big Ten Clash COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — A high-stakes early conference matchup awaits Tuesday night when the Illinois Fighting Illini visit the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Both teams enter with identical 7-1 records, though Illinois sits at 7-2 overall after a tough road loss at then-Connecticut on Nov. 28. The Illini are riding momentum from a commanding 75-62 victory at Tennessee last Saturday, a signature non-conference win that showcased their defensive prowess. Ohio State, meanwhile, is fresh off an 86-82 road win at Northwestern in its Big Ten opener, a game that required a second-half rally. The matchup features two of the conference’s most dynamic players. Illinois guard Keaton Wagler is coming off a team-high 16-point, 5-assist performance against the Volunteers. The sophomore has shown explosive scoring potential, dropping 19 points in wins over Colgate and Long Island earlier this season. He will be matched by Ohio State’s standout forward Brandon Noel, who is playing at an All-Big Ten level. Noel was spectacular against Northwestern, pouring in a career-high 29 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. His season includes a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double against Appalachian State, demonstrating his consistent inside-out threat. Illinois’s two losses have come against top-tier opponents (UConn and Alabama), but their offense, averaging over 84 points per game, faces a stiff test in Columbus. The Buckeyes have been dominant at home, winning by an average margin of 41 points in their four games at Value City Arena this season. The game is a critical early barometer for the Big Ten race. For Illinois, a road win would solidify their resume ahead of a manageable homestand. For Ohio State, protecting home court is paramount before a daunting non-conference trip to face North Carolina in Atlanta on Dec. 20. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. EST Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.