Read on foxsports.comNo. 14 Illinois Edges No. 11 Texas Tech in Thrilling College Basketball Showdown
In a dramatic early-season matchup between ranked opponents, No. 14 Illinois held off No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77 in a game that featured multiple lead changes and clutch defensive plays. Despite J.T. Toppin's impressive 35-point, 11-rebound performance for the Red Raiders, Andrej Stojakovic's crucial block in the final seconds secured the victory for the Fighting Illini. The game showcased the intensity of top-tier college basketball with both teams demonstrating resilience and competitive fire throughout the contest.
In a thrilling early-season showdown between ranked college basketball programs, No. 14 Illinois demonstrated resilience and clutch performance to defeat No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77 in a game that featured dramatic momentum swings and late-game heroics. The matchup between these two powerhouse programs provided basketball fans with an exciting preview of the competitive landscape in college basketball for the 2025-26 season.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The contest featured outstanding individual performances from both teams, with Texas Tech's J.T. Toppin delivering a remarkable 35-point, 11-rebound effort that marked his 33rd career double-double. The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year shot an impressive 12-of-14 from the field in the second half alone, nearly single-handedly bringing the Red Raiders back from a significant halftime deficit. However, Illinois countered with balanced scoring and timely defensive plays to secure the victory.
Illinois' Balanced Attack
The Fighting Illini showcased their depth with multiple players contributing significantly to the victory. Andrej Stojakovic led the way with 23 points and delivered the game's defining moment with his crucial block on Christian Anderson's potential tying 3-pointer in the final seconds. Kylan Boswell added 22 points, while David Mirkovich, Keaton Wagler, and Zvonimir Ivisic each contributed 11 points, demonstrating the team's offensive versatility.
Dramatic Second Half Comeback
Texas Tech mounted an impressive second-half rally after trailing 45-32 at halftime. The Red Raiders opened the second period by making 12 consecutive shots, completely erasing Illinois' substantial lead and briefly taking a 56-55 advantage on a three-point play by LeJuan Watts with 12:49 remaining. Watts finished with 21 points for Texas Tech, providing crucial support to Toppin's dominant performance.
Closing Moments and Defensive Stand
The game remained tightly contested throughout the final minutes, with Illinois regaining the lead for good at 66-65 on a layup by Ivisic with 8:19 remaining. The dramatic conclusion featured Watts sinking two free throws with 12.5 seconds left after a flagrant foul on Boswell, cutting the deficit to 80-77. However, Stojakovic's game-sealing block on Anderson's 3-point attempt and Wagler's subsequent free throw secured the hard-fought victory for Illinois.
This early-season matchup between ranked opponents provided valuable insights into both teams' potential for the upcoming season. Illinois improved to 3-0 with the victory, while Texas Tech moved to 2-1. The game's intensity and competitive balance suggest both programs will be factors in their respective conferences and potentially in the NCAA tournament picture as the season progresses.
