Cincinnati Bearcats host Illinois in exhibition matchup on Oct. 17

The Cincinnati Bearcats face the Illinois Fighting Illini in an exhibition game at Fifth Third Arena on October 17. This is the first home matchup between the two teams, with each previous game held at neutral sites. Illinois enters the game following a victory against Ohio State, bringing confidence with three returning starters from last season's Final Four squad. Key for the Bearcats will be managing player injuries and stopping Illinois' talented forwards, especially David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic, who are both on the Preseason All-Big Ten Team.

• 4:10 AMYahoo Sports — UC Bearcats entertain national semifinalist Illinois on home hardwood