Illinois Basketball Aims for Fourth Win Over a No. 1 vs. Tennessee

Let's take a look back at the Illini's three takedowns of the top teams in the land

Dec 10, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tre White (22) leaps for a pass during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois hosts No. 1-ranked Tennessee on Saturday (4:30 p.m. CT, FOX) with a chance to knock off the top-ranked team in college basketball for the fourth time.

Let's look back quickly at the three wins. "Quick" because there's no other honest way to do it given Illinois' all-time record against No. 1 is 3-22. All three wins came at home. On the road, the mark is 0-9. At neutral sites, it's 0-8.

Illinois 74, No. 1 Indiana 72, Feb. 7, 2013

Tyler Griffey laid one in at the buzzer, setting off mayhem at State Farm Center. Or was it still called Assembly Hall? We'll let you look that one up. D.J. Richardson scored 23 points and Brandon Paul 21 for the winners, who were NCAA Tournament-bound in coach John Groce's first season.

No. 5 Illinois 91, No. 1 Wake Forest 73, Dec. 1, 2004

The Illini, a great team bound for the NCAA championship game, took over the No. 1 spot in the AP poll after "upsetting" the Demon Deacons. Roger Powell scored 19, and Dee Brown and Luther Head poured in 16 apiece. Some dude named Chris Paul had only 10 for the losers.

Illinois 57, No. 1 Michigan State 55, Jan. 11, 1979

Eddie Johnson popped a baseline J just before the buzzer, setting off mayhem at Assembly Hall. (Is there an echo in here?) Alas, the Illini would end their season 19-11 and on a five-game losing streak. But that night, a final, desperation heave was missed by another Johnson – the Spartans' Magic – who graciously said afterward it had been a "beautiful game."

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Basketball's Next Shot to Upset an NCAA No. 1 – Tennessee – Is Coming Soon

ESPN Prediction for Illinois Basketball vs. No. 1 Tennessee

Key Matchup: Illinois vs. Tennessee – the Battle of the Backcourts