But even as Illinois (10-3, 2-1 Big Ten) was learning more about itself and pollsters were cool toward the Illini during their hit-or-miss run in proving-ground games, the data-based NCAA NET rankings were comparatively higher.

Illinois 109, Oregon 77. Given that Oregon is ranked ninth in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, and given that the game was played inside Matthew Knight Arena, Illinois on Thursday became the first team to ever win a road contest over an opponent ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll by at least 32 points.

Illinois was the week's biggest riser, jumping nine spots from No. 22 to No. 13 after sweeping a West Coast swing.