Even before the holiday tournaments that attract attention in late November, the college basketball season has still handed us several juicy matchups in the early going. This showdown in Chicago between Illinois and Alabama is the latest example, as a pair of ranked teams go for broke in a major resume-building opportunity here still very early in the season in a rematch from last season.
For Alabama (2-1) the opening weeks of the season have gone both ways, as the Crimson Tide looked brilliant in a true road win over St. John’s before falling last week at home to Purdue. The offense has been and should be sensational again this season for Nate Oats’ squad even if some question marks popped up as they were significantly outrebounded against the Boilermakers just a few days ago.
On the other hand, Illinois (4-0) conquered their first big challenge of the season with a win over Texas Tech last week. The new international flavor on this roster has lived up to early expectations and this is now a Top 10 team that looks like it can be a national contender this season. Brad Underwood has been pushing the right buttons in recent years and is hoping for more of the same in this matchup and the months ahead.
Alabama vs. Illinois: When and Where
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 pm ET
Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois
Alabama vs. Illinois: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: FS1
Streaming: FuboTV
Alabama vs. Illinois: Betting Odds
Spread: N/A
Moneyline: N/A
Total: N/A
Alabama vs. Illinois: Series History
All time series: Alabama leads 4-1
Last meeting: Alabama 100, Illinois 87 (November 20, 2024)
Projected Starting Lineups
Alabama Crimson Tide
Labaron Philon Jr. (19.3 ppg, 6.0 apg)
Aden Holloway (21.0 ppg, 3.5 apg)
Taylor Bol Bowen (12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
Houston Mallette (10.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg)
Aiden Sherrell (10.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Illinois Fighting Illini
Kylan Boswell (18.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.8 apg)
David Mirkovic (18.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg)
Keaton Wagler (17.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
Andrej Stojakovic (13.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
Zvonimir Ivisic (8.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
Neither of these teams have shied away from opportunities in nonconference play, even early in the season with largely new lineups. Alabama really needs to find a way to play better on the boards, especially against an Illinois team with strength and solid rebounding figures. On the opposite side, the Illini know that they can’t let the Crimson Tide get open shots, as almost nobody shoots from outside the arc more than this Alabama squad.
Can Illinois take care of business up in Chicago and put another impressive win on their early resume with this new lineup? Will Alabama bounce back from that game against Purdue and get themselves another notable win over Illinois?