1997-98 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball — schedule and results
The 1997-98 Illinois Fighting Illini went 23-10 (13-3 in the Big Ten) under head coach Lon Kruger. The team peaked at #18 in the AP poll. Simple Rating System: 15.21.
Hoopsipedia's log holds 33 games from this season: 13–1 at home, 6–4 on the road, and 4–5 on neutral courts. The Fighting Illini scored 69.7 points per game and allowed 63.5 (+6.2 per game). Their longest winning streak ran 7 games, from Jan 21, 1998 to Feb 12, 1998. The most lopsided win was 82–53 over Georgia Southern Eagles on Nov 21, 1997; the heaviest defeat was 68–47 to Purdue Boilermakers on Mar 7, 1998. The tightest finish was a 1-point win against UIC Flames (71–70). 1 game went to overtime.
Among Illinois Fighting Illini's 120 recorded seasons, 1997-98's .697 winning percentage ranks 41st. Previous season: 1996-97 Fighting Illini (22–10). Next season: 1998-99 Fighting Illini (14–18).
Game-by-game results (33 games)
Game recaps
1997-12-30: Behind J.R. Henderson's 22 points, UCLA Bruins defeated Illinois Fighting Illini 74–69. Kevin Turner had 32 for Illinois Fighting Illini.
1998-01-28: Illinois Fighting Illini beat Ohio State Buckeyes 66–62. Kevin Turner led the winners with 24 points. Michael Redd had 22 for Ohio State Buckeyes.
1998-02-14: Purdue Boilermakers survived Illinois 75–72 as Austin, Chad scored a team-high 26. Hester, Jerry had 27 for Illinois.
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