Duke Men’s basketball coach John Scheyer has praised his players’ performance in their game against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Feb. 23, 2025. The Blue Devils were at their absolute best as they blitzed through the Fighting Illini with a 110-67 win in their matchup,

Illinois (17-10) has unquestionably had Saturday's date with No. 3 Duke (23-3) at New York City's Madison Square Garden circled on the calendar since the 2024-25 schedule was finalized. And to hear Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer tell it, his program has shared a similar sentiment.

Duke basketball and Illinois will play this weekend at Madison Square Garden. Here's why, along with a look at the Blue Devils' history at MSG.