quick blurb
The No. 2 Texas Longhorns and 17th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2) will meet Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in a national televised battle starting at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Illinois is coming off a 71-66 road loss at undefeated Maryland (8-0) Friday. The Illini didn’t cover as 1.5-point underdogs, but became the 1st opponent to keep a game within 10 points vs. the then-No. 22, now-No. 13 Terrapins so far this season.
Texas comes into this top-20 matchup following a 72-67 home victory over then-No. 7 Creighton Thursday. The Longhorns, who didn’t cover as 6.5-point favorites, rely on a group of young freshmen and talented transfers.