University of Illinois
Iowa
Illinois Travels to Iowa for Top-10 Matchup
February 1, 2018 | Men's Gymnastics
| No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 10 Iowa | |
|---|---|
| When | Saturday, Feb. 3 // 1 p.m. CT |
| Where | Carver-Hawkeye Arena // Iowa City, Iowa |
| Follow Live | Live Stats | Live Stream (BTN2GO) |
| Team Information | Illinois Meet Notes | Season Stats |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Following a strong performance at Penn State a week ago, the third-ranked Illinois men's gymnastics team will hit the road once again, as the Orange and Blue travel to take on No. 10 Iowa on Saturday, February 3, at 1 p.m. CT. The Illini defeated Iowa a year ago at Huff Hall, 409.950-397.100, and hold a 157-82 all-time advantage over the Hawkeyes.
Scouting Iowa
UI competed against the Hawkeyes at the Windy City Invitational on Saturday, January 13, in Chicago. Illinois finished first in the event (404.300), while Iowa placed third with a 393.200 total. Iowa enters the weekend with a record of 2-4 on the season, with both victories coming over UIC. The Hawkeyes also sit at No. 10 in the most recent CGA rankings (394.917).
Last Time Out
Illinois put together its strongest performance of the season at Penn State a week ago, finishing with the second-best overall team total in the nation (412.500) to remain undefeated on the season. Junior Alex Diab led the way, earning event titles on both floor exercise (14.800) and still rings (14.700).
With the still rings title, Diab moved into a tie for 10th place all-time with 12 career titles on the event. Senior Brandon Ngai also made a change to the record book, as the Sacramento, California, native now holds sole possession of 8th place all-time with 17 career pommel horse titles.
Baker Named B1G Co-Gymnast of the Week
Following an impressive performance against Arizona State, which included three event titles and a nation-best 14.900 on vault, senior Bobby Baker was named Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Week (Sean Melton, OSU). It is the fourth-time the Lemont, Illinois, native has earned the award in his Illini career.
Illini in the Rankings
Illinois remains at No. 3 in the latest CGA Coaches Poll, two spot higher than its preseason ranking.
Big Ten Preseason Poll
In the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Illinois was slated to finish third in the league for the fifth-consecutive season. A year ago, the Illini hosted the Big Ten Championships and finished second behind Ohio State. Senior Chandler Eggleston, the 2014 Big Ten Floor Exercise Champion, and Alex Diab,the only two-time Big Ten Still Rings Champion in program history, were named "Gymnasts to Watch" by the conference.
Returning All-Americans
Spring welcomes back five gymnasts that have garnered fourteen All-America honors over the course of their careers. Redshirt senior Chandler Eggleston (2x Floor, High Bar and Vault) and senior Bobby Baker (All-Around, Still Rings, Vault and Parallel Bars) have each earned the honor four times, while junior Alex Diab (2x Still Rings, High Bar) has earned All-America status three times during his time with the Orange and Blue. Senior Brandon Ngai has earned the honor twice on Pommel Horse and senior Tyson Bull garnered All-America status on High Bar in 2016.
Up Next
The Illini will be on the road again, as the team travels to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to take on the seventh-ranked Golden Gophers. Meet competition is set for Saturday, February 10, at 2:30 p.m CT.
Follow the Illini
Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Men's Gymnastics. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for even more coverage.
