Belt game 1,456 · February 21, 1998
Illinois take the belt
Illinois beat Iowa 79–72 at home to start reign 405 of the College Basketball belt, the 7th for the program.
Iowa had held it since February 17, 1998, with 0 defenses over 4 days.
Illinois held it for 14 days and 2 defenses, then lost it to Purdue on March 7, 1998.
405Reign number
7Team's reign
2Defenses
14Days held