Duke University’s men’s basketball team is set to face the University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. This non-conference matchup, known as the SentinelOne Classic, brings together two elite programs from the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conferences. The game will be broadcast on FOX.
Jon Scheyer’s Perspective
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, a native of Illinois, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to coach against his home state team. He noted that playing at Madison Square Garden offers a unique atmosphere that benefits both teams. Scheyer emphasized the importance of such high-caliber matchups as valuable preparation for the postseason. citeturn0news16
Team Updates
Both teams are facing challenges ahead of the game. Duke forward Maliq Brown is expected to miss the game due to a dislocated shoulder. citeturn0news18 Illinois is dealing with injuries and illness, including a broken wrist for freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. and flu cases affecting players like Tomislav Ivisic and Jake Davis. citeturn0news17
Historical Context
This game marks the first time Scheyer will coach against Illinois since taking over as Duke’s head coach. Historically, Duke leads the series 5-3, though they lost to Illinois in their last encounter in December 2020.
Looking Ahead
As the game approaches, both teams are focused on overcoming their respective challenges. The matchup at Madison Square Garden is anticipated to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the talent and resilience of both programs.
