In a dramatic showdown at Mackey Arena, the 11th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini toppled the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers. Five defining statistics underpinned Illinois’ success, signaling a major shift in the college basketball landscape.

The No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers will clash with the Memphis Tigers on Thursday, November 20, in the Bahamas. This anticipated college basketball matchup promises a scenic and intense showdown, featuring one of the top teams in the sport.

For the first time ever, Purdue leads the AP men’s college basketball preseason poll. The Boilermakers received a majority of first-place votes to begin the 2025-26 season at the top, inching ahead of top contenders Houston and reigning NCAA champion Florida.