Iowa and Illinois are gearing up for a crucial rivalry clash on Friday with both teams looking to keep pace in the B1G race.

As things currently stand, Juwan Howard’s Michigan squad leads the conference with an 8-1 record in league play. Right on the heels of the Wolverines are the Hawkeyes at 6-2 with the Illini within striking distance at 6-3.

With both Illinois and Iowa looking up at Michigan in the conference, that makes Friday game of even more importance. Along with that, both teams are ranked within the top 25 in the country, setting the scene for another epic showdown in the rivalry series.

Things were especially hard-fought last season with both teams claiming a victory in the series. Those two contests were decided by a total of nine points with one game being decided by two points.

Ahead of Friday’s showdown, Illinois Basketball has dropped an impressive and memorable hype video for the contest. It includes some awesome scenes from year’s past and an awesome narration by former Illini star Deon Thomas.

Check it out:

Friday night’s contest will tipoff at 9 pm EST on FS1.