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URBANA, Ill - Jackson State men's basketball begins the 2021-2022 season with a road contest as they travel to Urbana to take on 11th-ranked Illinois. 

Illinois, who advanced to the second round in the NCAA Tournament last season, begins this year ranked No. 11 in the Top-25 AP poll. The Fighting Illini ended the 2020-2021 campaign ranked No. 2 in the AP poll. 

The Fighting Illini won both of their two exhibitions games against St. Francis (Ill.) and Indiana (PA.). 

JSU and Illinois will meet for the fifth time on the hardwood. The Fighting Illini have won all four meetings, including the last meeting that was in 2008. 

"It's always exciting to start a new season, with new players, a new team, and new goals. One thing I am excited about is the excitement from the team on wanting to win the league and get to the NCAA tournament," head coach Wayne Brent said. 

Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CST at the State Farm Center and will be broadcasted on ESPN+. 

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