Chambana Sun

Illinois men’s basketball secured its first ranked win of the season, defeating #11 Texas Tech 81-77 at State Farm Center on Tuesday night. The victory marks Illinois’ highest-ranked home win since beating #11 Wisconsin in February 2022 and is the team’s first home victory over a top 25 nonconference opponent under head coach Brad Underwood.

Andrej Stojakovic led the Illini with 23 points, shooting 11-for-16 from the field. He also contributed three rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. One of his blocks came in the final seconds when he deflected a potential game-tying three-point shot with nine seconds left. “Made a game-saving play with his second block of the game on three-point attempt by Texas Tech's Christian Anderson with nine second to play and the Illini holding an 80-77 lead,” according to postgame notes.

Kylan Boswell added 22 points, including three three-pointers and nine free throws, while also leading the team with three assists. Boswell reached a career milestone during the contest: “Eclipsed 1,000 points for his college career (1,001). Has scored 493 points at Illinois after posting 508 points in two seasons at Arizona.”

Zvonimir Ivisic contributed across multiple categories with 11 points, seven rebounds (tied for team lead), and three blocks—all recorded in the first half. Freshmen David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler each scored 11 points; Wagler tied Ivisic for most rebounds on the team and sealed Illinois’ win with a late free throw.

After Texas Tech started strong with a 7-0 run, Illinois responded quickly to take control early in the first half before entering halftime up by double digits following an extended scoring run. In the second half, Texas Tech tied the game midway through but was held scoreless for four minutes as Illinois pulled ahead decisively.

The attendance at State Farm Center was announced as 15,544—the second consecutive sellout crowd this season—reflecting strong fan engagement similar to last year when Illinois averaged among national leaders in attendance figures.

Five Illini players scored in double digits during Tuesday’s game. The bench outscored its Red Raider counterparts significantly, fueled by Stojakovic’s performance off the bench: “The first Illini to come off the bench and score 20+ points against a top 25-ranked opponent since Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 26 against #21 Northwestern.”

Illinois improved to a 3-0 start this season for just the fifth time under Coach Underwood. The Fighting Illini will host Colgate next at State Farm Center on Friday night.