Every college basketball season overlaps two years, with games beginning in November and concluding the following April.
But when looking at the traditional annual calendar (Jan. 1-Dec. 31), the year of 2021 ranks at the very top of Illinois' storied history in men's basketball.
The Fighting Illini won a total of 18 games against Big Ten teams in 2021. That ties the record for the most in program history, alongside 2005.
Illinois went 16-4 in conference play last season. But three of those wins were in December 2020.
Illinois won 13 regular season league games from January through March, added three more wins to claim the Big Ten Tournament championship, and won both December league games this season to make the total 18 victories over conference opponents in 2021.
Here's the top-10 list for Illinois' winningest years against Big Ten teams:
| Illinois Victories vs. Big Ten Opponents (by Calendar Year) |
| 1. |
18 |
2021 |
13 from Jan.-March + 3 in B1G Tournament + 2 in Dec. |
|
18 |
2005 |
15 from Jan.-March + 3 in B1G Tournament |
| 3. |
15 |
2020 |
12 from Jan.-March + 3 in Dec. |
|
15 |
2004 |
13 from Jan.-March + 2 in B1G Tournament |
|
15 |
1984 |
15 from Jan.-March |
| 6. |
14 |
2003 |
11 from Jan.-March + 3 in B1G Tournament |
|
14 |
2001 |
13 from Jan.-March + 1 in B1G Tournament |
|
14 |
1998 |
13 from Jan.-March + 1 in B1G Tournament |
|
14 |
1989 |
14 from Jan.-March |
|
14 |
1952 |
12 from Jan.-March + 2 in Dec. |
