The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast
1) Illinois vs. UCLA Postgame Reaction (02/21/26)
Despite holding a 23-point lead in the first half, Illinois basketball falls in OT for the third time this season. On this night, it was a Tyus Edney-esque game-winner from Donovan Dent, giving UCLA t...Show More
2) This Battle Station is Fully Operational (02/19/26)
A fully healthy Illinois begins their west coast swing with a 101-65 rout at USC. Mike Carpenter reacts to the display of offensive firepower, keyed on by Andrej Stojakovic's 22 points in his return f...Show More
3) Illinois vs. Indiana LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (02/15/26)
With Kylan Boswell back in the fold, Illinois basketball bounces back in a big way with a 71-51 win over Indiana. Mike Carpenter reacts during an impressive second half, in which the Illini - led by D...Show More
4) Bruised & Badgered (02/11/26)
Illinois basketball loses their second straight in overtime, a 92-90 defeat to Wisconsin at the State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter reacts to the sloppy, slow-footed performance, fatigue setting in as A...Show More
5) The Streak Izzover (02/08/26)
#5 Illinois falls at #10 Michigan State 85-82 in overtime. Mike Carpenter discusses the loss, the team's first since December 13, and the positives to take away despite the outcome. While Keaton Wagle...Show More
6) Krushing It (02/05/26)
It's getting real, folks. Illinois basketball looks like not only a contender in the Big Ten, but on the national stage as well. Their 84-44 win over Northwestern in front of a raucous State Farm Cent...Show More
7) Husker Woo! (02/01/26)
Illinois basketball grabs their second straight top-five road win, this time a 78-69 triumph at Nebraska. Mike Carpenter reacts after the game, one in which Brad Underwood's team extracted revenge for...Show More
8) Oh Henry! (02/01/26)
Aaron Henry's three-year tenure as Illinois' defensive coordinator comes to an end, as he accepts a new position at Notre Dame. Mike Carpenter reacts during an emergency pod and discusses why the move...Show More
9) Illinois vs. Washington LIVE 2nd Half Reaction (01/29/26)
#9 Illinois wins their tenth-straight game with a 75-66 victory over a pesky Washington team. Fresh out of eye surgery, Mike Carpenter tries to suppress his annoyance at facing an opposing coach named...Show More
10) Keaton F'ing Wagler (01/24/26)
#11 Illinois grabs a huge road win at #4 Purdue 88-82 thanks to an all-timer from Keaton Wagler, whose 46 points set the freshman program record. Mike Carpenter reacts after the victory, one in which ...Show More