Northwestern has been an early season disappointment opening 4-3, including losing its past two games.

Illinois started fast until losing 80-73 to Wake Forest. The Illini are 4-1 in their last five meetings against the Wildcats, winning both matchups last season.

The Illini are playing up-tempo under new coach Brad Underwood. So they won't get caught up in Northwestern's slow-down tactics.

This is a very early Big Ten meeting so points figure to matter a lot.