The College Basketball Belt
Illinois
8Reigns
89Days held
16Defenses
1956First reign
Every reign
- 8th reignBeat Iowa State 72–69 · lost to UConnMar 28, 2024 – Mar 30, 20242 days · 0 def.
- 7th reignBeat Northwestern 63–47 · lost to MichiganFeb 15, 2006 – Feb 21, 20066 days · 1 def.
- 6th reignBeat North Carolina 68–64 · lost to IowaNov 29, 2005 – Jan 7, 200639 days · 9 def.
- 5th reignBeat Indiana 67–61 · lost to Ohio StateFeb 16, 2001 – Feb 21, 20015 days · 0 def.
- 4th reignBeat Michigan 80–51 · lost to Penn StateJan 12, 2001 – Jan 30, 200118 days · 3 def.
- 3rd reignBeat Indiana 65–61 · lost to Ohio StateJan 3, 1979 – Jan 12, 19799 days · 2 def.
- 2nd reignBeat Indiana 65–64 · lost to Michigan StateJan 6, 1978 – Jan 11, 19785 days · 0 def.
- 1st reignBeat San Francisco 62–33 · lost to KentuckyDec 16, 1956 – Dec 21, 19565 days · 1 def.