Illinois, and Texas have not faced off against each other since the Longhorns won at home 72-64 in 2000.
The Fighting Illini have ran through their first three opponents by an average of 25-points a game.
Texas will likely bring that average down with the Longhorns averaging 86-points over their first two games, while only allowing 55-points to opponents.
However, the Longhorns will have a tough time trying to embrace the depth of Illinois.
Illinois bench has averaged around 30 points a game, with guard Brandon Paul leading the way for the reserves with 11.7 points off the bench.
Starting point guard Demetri McCamey has been on a hot streak shooting lately. Through the first three games, McCamey has come away with 14.7 points, eight assist, while shooting 60 percent from the field.
Mike Davis has reached double-figures in all three games for the Illini averaging 12.3, and frontcourt mate Mike Tisdale has lead Illinois in rebounding with 7.7 per contest.
However, the Illini struggles on the boards will continue when they face the Longhorns. Texas has 97 total rebounds through the first two games, with 27 coming on the offensive end.
That is way above the average of Illinois who is currently pulling down 37 (111 total) rebounds per contest.
Jordan Hamilton, the Longhorns leading scorer, has impressed a lot with his ability to take over games. Through the first two, Hamilton has averaged 22.5 points, and seven rebounds per outing.
Not to mention, Gary Johnson has accumulated 16 points, eight rebounds, while freshman Tristian Thompson averages 12.5 with seven rebounds.
Nonetheless, the game should come down to whoever takes care of the ball. Both teams are averaging around 15 turnovers a game, and the real competition has yet to hit. Which ever team has great guard play should be in position to win the game.
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