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SPORTS Archives for 2021-01

#19 Illinois hosts #7 Iowa tonight

(Urbana-cf)-- The 2-0 Fighting Illini Volleyball team will host their first matches of the season starting tonight. The #1 Wisconsin Badgers will visit Huff Hall today at 3pm, and Saturday Morning at 11am. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #19 Fighting Illini hit the hardwood tonight for the first time in 10 days. Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood says that the team has simulated games, and has managed their rest during the break… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood 

 

 

(Bloomington-cf)-- The IHSA will not have State Contests for boys/girls basketball this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. However, if the state were to reach Phase 5, there could be a state series for spring sports. IHSA Director Craig Anderson has the details… 

 

 

IHSA Director Craig Anderson

 

Big Ten BasketBall Tonight: 

#7 Iowa @ #19 Illinois 

 

NHL Tonight: 

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Chicago Blackhawks 


 

Tonight on WPXN: 

It’s Fighting Illini Basketball. The Illini return to the court for the first time in 10 days against #7 Iowa. Pregame gets underway at 7 with tip at 8 right here on WPXN.

 

The IHSA has released more guidance on the return to play guidelines

(WPXN-cf)-- Whether the game will be played or not, All-Star voting for the NBA gets underway starting tomorrow. The NBA in a release yesterday said “discussions are on-going about the game being played, but there has not been a final decision.” 

 

 

(St. Louis-cf)-- The St. Louis Cardinals may allow fans in Busch Stadium for the 2021 season. The Cardinals could potentially allow the stadium to be 28% filled, which equals 12,000 fans. The final decision has not been made.

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- In updating a story from yesterday, there will be no Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees this season. A player needs 75% of the vote to be inducted, and the highest was Curt Schilling with 71%. However, former Cardinal infielder Scott Rolen, White Sox Pitcher Mark Burhle, and Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa all earned enough votes to stay on next year’s ballot. 


 

 

(Bloomington-cf)-- The IHSA has released more guidance on the return to play guidelines for schools that are in Phase 4 mitigations. Each IHSA member school that is in a Phase 4 region has to have 7 practices before competition can begin. IHSA Director Craig Anderson says practice could have started last Monday, and if they did those days count for the 7… 

 

 

 

With the return the main sports such as boys/girls basketball and football will not have state tournaments. IHSA Director Craig Anderson describes the financial impact of not having those tournaments… 

 

 

 

With a majority of the state being in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, that means schools will have to play other schools inside their region. For football, if there is a school that is in the same conference, but a different region, that school will be able to travel to that region says IHSA Director Craig Anderson… 

 

 

IHSA Director Craig Anderson

 

 

NHL Tonight: 

St. Louis Blues @ Las Vegas Golden Knights 

 

For the first times since 1960, there will be no MLB Hall of Fame Inductees

(WPXN-cf)- For the first times since 1960, there will be no MLB Hall of Fame Inductees. This year’s class did not reach the required 75% of votes needed to be inducted. The leading vote getter was Curt Schilling who obtained 71.5% of the vote. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- Chicago Bulls Center Wendell Carter Jr. will miss four weeks. An MRI revealed a severe right quad contusion after he collided with a teammate in practice. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The IHSA is scheduled to meet today and at their meeting they are expected to release more guidance on the return of sports. We provide updates from that meeting as information is released. Stay tuned throughout the day right here on WPXN, your season ticket to a world of sports. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- The Chicago Blackhawks will be without two star players for the next two weeks. The Blackhawks announced that Adam Bovquist and Alex DeBrincat have entered the league's COVID-19 protocol after testing positive yesterday afternoon. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Volleyball team started their season last weekend with two wins over Iowa. Redshirt Freshman Outside Hitter Ellie Holzman describes what it was like getting back on the court in over a year… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Volleyball Outside Hitter Ellie Holzman. 

 

 

Big Ten Tonight: 

Penn State @ #13 Ohio State 

#14 Wisconsin @ Maryland 

Fighting Illini Junior Guard Ayo Dosunmu has made the Top 10 list for the Cousy Award

NBA Scores: 

Boston Celtics def Chicago Bulls 119-103

 

New

(WPXN-cf)-- The AP Top 25 has been updated for the new week, and Gonzaga still remains on top. The remainder of the top 10 includes 2 Baylor, 3 Villinoa, 4 Michigan, 5 Texas, 6 Houston, 7 Iowa, 8 Virginia, 9 Alabama and 10 Texas Tech. Other Big Ten teams in the Top 25 include 13 Ohio State, 14 Wisconsin, 19 Illinois, and 21 Minnesota. 

 

New

(Urbana-cf)-- Fighting Illini Junior Guard Ayo Dosunmu has made the Top 10 list for the Cousy Award. The Cousy Award is given to the top point guard in the NCAA. Marcus Carr from Minnesota has also been named to the final 10. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- Spring Training may not start on time. The Cactus League told the MLB League office today that it wants to delay the start of Spring Training due to the high population fo COVID-19 cases in Arizona. 

 

 

NHL Tonight: 

Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators 

St. Louis Blues @ Las Vegas Golden Knights 

 

Tonight on WPXN: 

 

Its Nascar Live, get the latest news in Nascar from 6 until 7.

 

Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Bucs to Play in Super Bowl 55

(WPXN-cf)-- The two teams for Super Bowl 55 in Tampa Florida are set. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will represent the NFC after defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-26. The Kansas City Chiefs will represent the AFC after defeating the Buffalo Bills 38-24. This is the first time in the Super Bowl era that a team will play a Super Bowl at their  home field. 


 

NHL Scores:

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-2 yesterday afternoon. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Volleyball team swept the Iowa Hawkeyes to open their season. On Friday the Illini won 3 sets to 1, and the same on Saturday. The Illini are 2-0, and will host Wisconsin this Friday and Saturday. 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Fighting Illini Defensive Back’s Coach Aaron Henry was recruited by Bret Bielema during his playing days. Henry describes Bielema’s recruiting process, and that he gets to know the person, rather than the player… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Defensive Backs Coach Aaron Henry. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #22 Fighting Illini will not play another game until Friday Night. The last time the Orange and Blue hit the court, they put together a solid performance. Head Coach Brad Underwood says this team has the same drive as they did last year, and want to win… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood


 

NBA Tonight: 

Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics 

 

Tonight on WPXN its Fast talk, get the latest news in NASCAR from 6 until 7. 

 

Following Fast Talk,  get the latest news in Illini Men’s Basketball with the Brad Underwood show from 7 until 8. 

 

Fighting Illini Volleyball opens season tonight

(WPXN-cf)-- Notre Dame football has received one-year of probation. The announcement came yesterday after an NCAA investigation, revealing that a former coach had impermissible recruiting contact with a high school athlete. To go along with the probation, the Irish were fined $5,000.

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Volleyball team gets their season underway tonight. The Illini will take on Iowa in Iowa City for the first game of the year tonight at 7. 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Defensive Back Tony Adams will return for one more season for the Fighting Illini football team. Adams says his decision to come back was tough, but he wanted to win… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Defensive Back Tony Adams 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

#7 Michigan @ Purdue 

 

NHL Tonight: 

Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks 

 

NBA Tonight: 

Chicago Bulls @ Charlotte Hornets

 

NFL Sunday: 

NFC Championship- Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers 2:05

AFC Championship- Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs- 5:40



 

NFL quarterback Phillip Rivers to retire

(WPXN-cf)-- NFL quarterback Phillip Rivers has decided to retire. Rivers was under center for the Colts last season, but spent 16 years with the Chargers. Rivers never played in a Super Bowl, but ranks 5th all time in passing behind Brett Farve, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- The search is on for a defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. The Bears held their first interview rounds, and included in the pool was former Bear Mike Singletery. Singletary has not been in the NFL since 2006 when he was a defensive assistant to the Rams. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Fighting Illini Defensive Lineman Rodrick Perry has elected to come back for one more year. Perry says that he already has connections with Head Coach Bielema’s staff, and that the choice was simple. Comeback or declare for the draft… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Defensive Lineman Rodrick Perry. 

 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

Indiana @ #4 Iowa

 

Illinois beats Penn St. 79-65

(Urbana-cf)-- The #22 Fighting Illini swept the regular season series against Penn State with last night’s 79-65 win. Sophomore big man Kofi Cockbrun led the Ilini in scoring with 21 points. Head Coach Brad Underwood recaps the game… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood 

 

NHL Scores: 

The Chicago Blackhawks lost in overtime to the Florida Panthers 5-4.

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- Hall of Fame Pitcher Don Sutton passed away yesterday at the age of 75. Sutton had over 300 career wins. Sutton was a 4 time All-Star, and ranks 14th in the MLB all time in wins as a pitcher. Sutton pitched for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels. 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The University of Illinois Men’s Golf team has their schedule for the Spring Season. The Illini’s spring season gets underway in February, the Illini will play in the Tinervin Cup in Placida Florida to start their season. 


 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

Northwestern @ #10 Wisconsin 

 

NHL Tonight: 

San Jose Sharks @ St. Louis Blues

 

Illinois will try to bounce back tonight against Penn St.

NBA  

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Houston Rockets 125-120. Bulls Forward Zach LaVine (La-Veen) scored 33 points with 4 rebounds and 7 assists. 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team announced another postponed game. The Illini were scheduled to take on Michigan State in East Lansing Saturday. Michigan State has announced positive Covid tests, postponing the game Saturday. 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- Two former Chicago Cubs pitchers have found new teams. Left Hander Jon Lester, whose contract expired with the Cubs this past season, signed a one year deal with the Washington Nationals with a mutual option. Tyler Chatwood has signed a one-year $3 million dollar deal with the Blue Jays. 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The NCAA Top 25 have been updated, and Gonzaga still remains on top. Rounding out the rest of the top 10 is 2 Baylor, 3 Villinova, 4 Iowa, 5 Texas, 6 Tennessee, 7 Michigan, 8 Houston, 9 Kansas and 10 Wisconsin. Other Big Ten Teams in the Top 25 are 15 Ohio State, 17 Minnesota, and 22 Illinois. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- At least one member of Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy’s staff will be back next season. Henry Burris announced yesterday the Nagy wants him to return to Halas Hall next season. It has not been confirmed what Burris’s role will be next season. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #22 Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team is back in action tonight against Penn State. Penn State is just returning to action after having positive Covid tests within their program. Head Coach Brad Underwood previews the second matchup against Penn State… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood. Pre-game gets underway at 6:30 with tip at 7:30 right here on WPXN. 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

Purdue @ #15 Ohio State

Maryland @ #7 Michigan

Penn State @ #22 Illinois 


 

NHL Tonight:

Chicago Blackhawks @ Florida Panthers

 

Tonight on WPXN it’s Fighting Illini Basketball. Pre-game against Penn State starts at 6:30 with tip at 7:30.

 

Packers, Bills, Chiefs and Bucs win

The #14 Fighting Illini dropped their second straight game Saturday Morning 87-81 to Ohio St. Junior Guard Ayo Dosunmu had 22 points and 5 rebounds while Sophomore Big Man Kofi Cockburn tallied another double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Illini are now 9-5 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten. 

 

NFL Scores: 

The Green Bay Packers Defeated the L.A Rams 32-18

The Buffalo Bills Defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-3

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns 22-17

The Tampa Bay Bucs defeated the New Orleans Saints 30-20

 

NBA Scores: 

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Dallas Mavericks 117-101 Sunday afternoon. Bulls Forward Lauri Markkanen(MAR-CANNON) scored 29 points with 7 assists. 


 

(WPXN-cf)-- The NFC and AFC Championship games are set with the completion for the NFL Divisional Playoff rounds. In the AFC, the Buffalo Bills will take on the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday. In the NFC the Green Bay Packers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Two more Fighting Illini Football players have elected to return to Champaign for one more season. Defensive Lineman Owen Carney and Defensiveback Tony Adams will return to the Orange and Blue for their final season next year. 


 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #14 Fighting Illini dropped their second straight game, and home game this past Saturday to #21 Ohio State 87-81. The Illini once again had a sluggish start. Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood recaps the loss… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood

 

 

NBA Tonight:

Houston Rockets @ Chicago Bulls

 

NHL Tonight: 

 

San Jose Sharks @ St. Louis Blues 


 

Tonight on WPXN: 

 

Get the latest news in Nascar with Fast Talk from 6 until 7. 

 

Following Fast Talk, get the latest news in Illini Men’s Basketball with the Brad Underwood show from 7 until 8.

 

Illinois takes on Ohio State early on Saturday

(Honolulu HI-cf)-- The Sony Open, the first PGA major event of the season opened up yesterday afternoon. Former Illini Golfer Nick Hardy made this year’s cut, after a 3 for 1 playoff match. Hardy finished the opening round yesterday 1 under, tied for 63rd. Hardy is 7 strokes back from the leader. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #14 Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball squad now has the  time for the January 29 home game against Iowa. The game will tip at 8, with pregame begging at 7 right here on WPXN. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- Former Chicago Cubs President and General Manager Theo Epstien has been hired by the MLB league office. Epstein will be a consultant to MLB rule changes, and off-the field matters. The MLB is considering a rule changing allowing the Designated Hitter full time in the National League. 

 

NBA Tonight: 

Chicago Bulls @ Oklahoma City Thunder 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight:

#9 Wisconsin @ Rutgers 

 

NHL Tonight:

Tampa Bay Lighting @ Chicago Blackhawks

 

NFL Playoffs this weekend: 

Saturday- 

L.A Rams @ Packers-3:35

Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills- 7:15



Sunday-

Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs-2:05

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints-5:40


 

 

(Urbana--jc)  The Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team takes on Ohio State tomorrow morning after a cancelled game this past Wednesday. Illini Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood says the loss to Maryland was tough, but he reminds Illini Nation to enjoy the play of Ayo Dosumu, even on an average night…

 

 

U of I Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood

 

 

This weekend on WPXN: 

 

Saturday Morning, Bid Buy and Save with WPXN Live Action Auction at 8 am. 

 

Saturday Morning its Fighting Illini Basketball against #21 Ohio State. Pregame starts at 10 with tip at 11 right here on WPXN.  

 

IHSA still on pause after yesterday's meeting with IDPH

(Bloomington-cf)-- The IHSA met again yesterday with the Illinois Department of Public Health to get a better grasp as to when High School Sports can restart. In a release, the IHSA still remains on pause, and contact days can begin pending IDPH approval. The board and the IDPH plan to meet again January 27th. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- Two games for the Chicago Bulls have been postponed already this season due to COVID-19. The Bulls were scheduled to play the Boston Celtics last night when that game was postponed. Through all the postponements, the Bulls did activate two players last night from the COVID-19 list, Power Forward Lauri Markkanen,(MARK-A-NEN) and Guard Ryan Arcidiacono(ARCHI-E-DEE-YAK-A-NOW) will rejoin the team today. The Bulls are off until Friday Night. 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #14 Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball program has a schedule change. The Illini were slated to take on Penn State next Wednesday Night, that game will now be played on Tuesday Night. The Illini take on #21 Ohio State Saturday at noon. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Fighting Illini Defensive Line Coach Terrance Jamison has spent time with Bret Bielema in the past at Wisconsin. Jamison details what its like coaching with Bielema… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Defensive Line Coach Terrance Jamison 

 

 


 

Illinois at Nebraska Cancelled

(Chicago-cf)-- Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano has decided to retire. Pagano has been the defensive coordinator for the Bears for the past two seasons. It is likely that Head Coach Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace will be retained. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The NBA and the NBA Players Association have updated the COVID-19 protocols for the league. For the next two weeks, players and staff are being mandated to stay home, outside of team activities including practice and games. Pregame meetings are not to last longer than 10 minutes, and players and coaches are required to wear facemasks when not on the court. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Football staff is almost complete. Bret Beilema has hired Aaron Henry as defensive backs coach. Henry played defensive back for Beilema at Arkansas and Wisconsin. Henry has coached in the SEC, and Big Ten. Last season Henry was the Defensive backs coach at Vanderbilt. 


 

Big Ten Basketball: 

Northwestern @ 21 Ohio State 

 

Illinois @ Nebraska has been cancelled for tonight

 

NHL Preseason Tonight: 

Chicago Blackhawks @ Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Alabama wins National Championship Game 52-24 over Ohio State

College Football National Championship: 

The Alabama Crimson Tide are this year's College Football Champions. The Crimson Tide beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24.

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini were scheduled to play tomorrow night in Lincoln Nebraska, but that game has been canceled. The Huskers have announced positive COVID-19 tests within the program. The Illini are scheduled to play #21 Ohio State Saturday at Noon. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)--The Week 8 College Basketball Top 25 was announced yesterday. The #1 spot is still held by Gonzaga, followed by 2 Baylor, 3 Villinova, 4 Texas, 5 Iowa, 6 Kansas, 7 Michigan, 8 Creighton, 9 Wisconsin, and 10 Tennessee. Other Big Ten teams in the top 25 include 14 Illinois, 21 Ohio State, and 23 Minnesota. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- In a late night MLB offseason move, the Chicago White Sox signed Free Agent Closer Liam Henricks to a  three year $54 Millions deal. Henricks over the past two seasons ranks second in ERA with 1.60 and third in strikeout ratio at 7.2. ESPN contributed to this report. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- After playing a 62 game sprint last season, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has announced that teams should prepare for a full spring training, as well as a full 162 game schedule. Both Spring Training and the regular season are expected to start on time. The MLB initially wanted to push the season back one month to allow players and staff an additional month to be vaccinated. 



(Urbana-cf)-- The Coaching Staff for Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema is almost complete with the addition of a new linebackers coach yesterday. Andy Buh was named yesterday as the new linebackers coach, bringing 23 years of coaching experience to the staff which includes stops in 3 Power 5 conferences. Buh was the Linebackers coach at Arizona last season. 


 

(Chicago-cf)-- The Chicago Blackhawks have made their first cuts to the roster, releasing 12 players last night. The NHL season gets underway on the 22nd against the Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks will play 4 preseason games which start tomorrow night against the Tampa Bay Lighting.

 

Tonight on WPXN its Nascar Live, get the latest news in Nascar from 6 until 7.

 

Illinois loses to Maryland 66-63

(Urbana-cf)-- The Illini lost their first game at home of the season 66-63 to Maryland last night. Junior guard Ayo Dosunmu finished the game with a team high 23 points. Head Coach Brad Underwood recaps the loss… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood. The Illini make a trip to Lincoln to take on Nebraska Wednesday night at 8. 

 

NFL Scores: 

Buffalo Bills defeated the Colts 27-24

L.A. Rams defeated the Seahawks 30-20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Washington 31-23

Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tennessee Titans 20-13

New Orleans Saints defeated the Chicago Bears 21-9

Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The NFL Super Wildcard weekend is now in the books, and the Divisional round of the Playoffs is now set. In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers will host the L.A. Rams, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the New Orleans Saints. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills will host the Baltimore Ravens.

 

NBA Scores: 

The Chicago Bulls finished their four game road trip last night with a 130-127 loss to the L.A Clippers. Zach LaVine scored a team high 45 points with 7 rebounds. 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Football squad made two more coaching hires over the weekend. Terrance Jamison was named Defensive Line Coach on Sunday. Jamison a Riverdale, Illinois native played on the d-line for Head Coach Bret Bielema at Wisconsin, and has been the d-line coach at Purdue last season. Ben Miller was named as Tight Ends Coach last night. Miller, a Cleveland native has been a coach at the Air Force Academy since 2003. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- Longtime Chicago Blackhawks netminder Cory Crawford retired on Saturday. Crawford was let go in Free Agency by the Blackhawks earlier this year. Crawford’s ten year career included multiple Stanley Cups, franchise leader in postseason wins as a goaltender with 52. 

 

 

 

College Football National Championship: 

#3 Ohio State @ #1 Alabama 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

#8 Wisconsin @ #10 Michigan


 

Tonight on WPXN it’s Fast Talk. Get the latest news in Nascar from 6 until 7.

 

Following Fast Talk, it’s the Brad Underwood Show. Get the latest news in Illini Basketball from 7 until 8. 

 

Illinois defeats Northwestern 81-56

The #12 Fighting Illini found their rhythm in the second half on offense after a sluggish start coming back to beat Northwestern 81-56. Sophomore Big Man Kofi Cockburn tallied another double double on the year scoring 18 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Illini are back in action Sunday Night at 7 against Maryland. 

 

New

(Bloomington-cf)-- The IHSA held their regularly scheduled meeting yesterday with the Illinois Department of Public Health to look at when the IHSA could resume High School sports. The IHSA still remains on pause and low-risk sports can’t resume until the state returns to Phase 4 mitigations. The IHSA will meet again January 13th. 

 

New

(Urbana-cf)-- Two Illini have made the Top 25 Wooden Award Watch List. Junior Guard Ayo Dosunmu and Sophomore Big Man Kofi Cockburn. Illinois is one of three schools to have multiple players on the list, and the lone Big Ten school. The Big Ten leads all other conferences with six players on the list in total. 

 

NBA Tonight: 

Chicago Bulls @ L.A Lakers 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

Purdue @ #23 Michigan State

 

NFL Playoffs-

Saturday:

Colts @ Bills-Noon 

Rams @ Seahawks- 3:40

Buccaneers @ Washington-7:15 

 

Sunday: 

Ravens @ Titans-Noon 

Bears @ Saints- 3:40

Browns @ Steelers-7:15 

 

This Weekend on WPXN: 

Sunday Night the Fighting Illini look to remain undefeated at  home against Maryland. Pregame begins at 6 with tip at 7 right here on WPXN. 

Illinois is at Northwestern tonight

(WPXN-cf)-- The likely overall #1 Draft Pick declared for the NFL Draft. Clemson Quarterback Trevor Lawernce announced on Twitter that he will be entering the draft after three years at Clemson. The Jacksonville Jaguars have this year’s #1 overall pick. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Multiple reports are begging to indicate that Illini Football Head Coach Bret Bielema has found his defensive coordinator. 34 year old Ryan Walters from Mizzou, has been rumored to be the next DC. The U of I has not confirmed the reports as of last night. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The #12 Fighting Illini are in Evanston tonight to take on Northwestern. Head Coach Brad Underwood gives an update on the team since they have had a few days off… 

 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Two players that the Illini will have to lock in on defensively against Northwestern is Miller Kopp and Pete Nance. Head Coach Brad Underwood gives the scout on those two players… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Head Basketball Coach Brad Underwood. 

 

 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

#5 Iowa @ Maryland 

Indiana @ #8 Wisconsin 

#12 Illinois @ Northwestern

 

Tonight on WPXN it's Illini Basketball. The Fighting Illini are in Evanston to take on Northwestern at 8. Pregame begins at 7 right here on WPXN.

 

Calvin "Megatron" Johnson, Peyton Manning, and Charles Woodsen Head the 2021 NFL Hall of Fame Semi-finalist list

(Urbana-cf)-- The Illini Football team saw a lot of action yesterday afternoon with players deciding to return, commitments, and coaches returning. Cory Patterson who was the wide receivers coach last season will stay on Bret Bielema’s staff as running backs coach. Defensive lineman Jamal Woods elected to return next season, and Bielema has signed two players. Calvin “CJ” Hart transferred from North Carolina State. Hart is a middle linebacker who has tallied 54 tackles in two seasons. Josh McCray committed to the U of I yesterday on Twitter. McCary is a 6’ 2’ 215 pound Running back from Alabama. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- A wide receiver has won the Heisman Trophy for the first time since 1991. Alabama’s DeVonta Smith was this year’s winner. Smith scored 22 touchdowns this season. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- Ahead of the College Football Championship game, Ohio State has announced positive COVID tests. Ohio State Athletic Director said “We are on track to play, we are going to follow the same protocol as we have all season.” The National Championship game is still on schedule to be played next Monday.  

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The semi finalists for the 2021 NFL Hall of Fame Class have been released. The ballot is led by Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, Peyton Manning, and Charles Woodsen. 

 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

#16 Minnesota @ #10 Michigan



 

The March Madness tournament will be played in its entirety in Indiana

(WPXN-cf)- The Men’s Basketball NCAA Top 25 saw some fluctuation this week. Sitting as the top seed is Gonzaga, #2 Baylor, #3 Villinova, #4 Texas, #5 Iowa, #6 Kansas, #7 Creighton, #8 Wisconsin, #9 Tennessee, and #10 Michigan. Other Big Ten Teams in the Top 25 are, #12 Illinois, #15 Rutgers, #16 Minnesota, and tied for 23rd is Michigan State. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The March Madness tournament will be played in its entirety in Indiana. Most games will be played in Indianapolis, including the National Championship game while some games will be played in Bloomington, West Lafayette Hinkle Fieldhouse in Butler. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- Bret Bielema has hired his assistant athletics director and chief of staff. Mark Taurisani has gone with Bielema at every stop in his coaching career, and followed him to Champaign. Taurisani will oversee day to day operations and oversee the administration aspect of the football program. 

 

 

(Chicago-cf)-- The Chicago Cubs have found their new voice for television. Jon “Boog” Sciambi has been hired to take over play-by-play duties for the Cubs replacing Len Kasper. Sciambi will still maintain his duties at ESPN. 

 

 

(Urbana-cf)-- The Fighting Illini Football coaching staff is coming together for Bret Bielema. Tank Wright was hired as Strength and Conditioning coach yesterday and describes his football and strength training career… 

 

 

Fighting Illini Strength and Conditioning Coach Tank Wright. 

 

 

NBA Tonight: 

Chicago Bulls @ Portland Trail Blazers-9:30. 

 

Big Ten Tonight: 

#15 Rutgers @ #23 Michigan State 

 

Tonight on WPXN it’s NASCAR Live, get the latest news in NASCAR from 6 until 7.

 

Packers and Colts win, Bears still make playoffs

NFL: 

The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 35-16. Quarterback Aaron  Rodgers threw for 240 yards and 4 touchdowns. 

 

The Indianapolis Colts clinched the AFC South yesterday with a 28-14 win over the Jaguars. 

 

NBA: 

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-108. Bulls Forwards Zach LaVine scored a season high 39 points. 

 

Fighting Illini: 

The #15 Fighting Illini beat the Purdue Boilermakers Saturday Night 66-58. Sophomore Big Man Kofi Cockburn led the team in scoring with 14, and notched yet another double-double on the season. The Illini remain undefeated at home. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The NFL season wrapped up yesterday and the playoff picture is set. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have the #1 overall seed, and have a first round bye. The Buffalo Bills come in 2nd, Pittsburgh Steelers 3rd, Tennessee Titans 4th, Baltimore Ravens5th, Cleveland Browns s6th, and the last spot goes to the Indianapolis Colts. In the NFC the Green Bay Packers have secured the top seed and the first round bye. The New Orleans Saints came in 2nd, Seattle Seahawks 3rd, Washington 4th, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5th, LA Rams 6th, and the last spot goes to the Chicago Bears. 

 

 

(WPXN-cf)-- The College Football National Championship game is set. The #3 Ohio State Buckeyes will take on #1 Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama defeated Notre Dame 31-14, and Ohio State defeated Clemson 49-28. The National Championship will be played next Monday January 11. 


 

(Urbana-cf)-- All-American Punter Blake Hayes will return for one more season with the Fighting Illini. Hayes announced on Twitter that he will use the eligibility waiver yesterday. Kicker James McCourt also announced that he will return to Champaign for one more season. 


 

Big Ten Basketball Tonight: 

Maryland @ Indiana 


 

Tonight on WPXN it's Fast Talk, get the latest news in Nascar from 6 until 7.

 

FollowingFast Talk, Get the latest news in Illini men’s basketball with the Brad Underwood show from 7 until 8. 



 

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