CHICAGO (December 22, 2017) – Four in-state university basketball programs have the opportunity to earn bragging rights to a new trophy as the "Battle for Illinois" rivalry series was introduced today by the respective athletics departments for Bradley, Illinois State, Loyola and Southern Illinois.
 
The inaugural "Battle for Illinois" competition begins on New Year's Eve, when Illinois State women's basketball plays host to Bradley. Both men's and women's basketball teams for the four universities will accrue points in featured head-to-head competition only. One point will be earned for each win. In the event of a tie, the following will determine the Battle for Illinois winner: 1) head-to-head record among the tied schools; 2) regular-season conference record; 3) overall regular-season record; 4) combined tournament wins; 5) average margin of victory (rivalry series games).
 
Loyola 's first Battle for Illinois rivalry series game will come on January 5 when the Rambler women host Bradley. The men's first game in the rivalry series will take place on January 10 when Loyola visits Illinois State.