Illinois secured an impressive 81-77 win over Texas Tech in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday night, propelled by a standout performance from Andrej Stojakovic. The game, held at the packed State Farm Center in Champaign, saw Stojakovic score 23 points, showcasing his skills after returning from a knee injury.
The matchup took a dramatic turn in the second half when JT Toppin, a Texas Tech All-American, hit nine straight shots, erasing the double-digit lead that Illinois had established at halftime. Despite this onslaught, Illinois remained resilient, relying on their depth and experience to maintain composure.
Stojakovic, who was highly sought after during the transfer portal season, proved why he was a coveted addition. He executed offensive plays effectively, driving to the basket and sinking mid-range jumpers, which countered Toppin”s dominance on the court. Moreover, he displayed notable defensive skills by blocking a critical three-point attempt from Texas Tech”s star sophomore, Christian Anderson, with just nine seconds left in the game.
Alongside Stojakovic, Kylan Boswell contributed significantly with 22 points, three assists, and two rebounds, forming a formidable backcourt duo. Coach Grant McCasland of Texas Tech noted the physicality of Illinois, stating, “They were more physical than we were at getting to the basket and drawing fouls.” He acknowledged that Illinois”s composure put his team on the defensive.
Several other Illinois players also made impactful contributions, with Keaton Wagler, David Mirkovic, and Zvonimir Ivisic each scoring 11 points. Ivisic added seven rebounds and a team-leading three blocks, while Wagler also grabbed seven boards.
Toppin emerged as the top scorer for Texas Tech, finishing with 35 points on 17 of 25 shooting, including a remarkable 12 of 14 in the second half. He also led the game with 11 rebounds and recorded three assists, three blocks, and three steals. LeJuan Watts supported him with 21 points, while Anderson struggled, scoring only eight points and handing out a game-high 11 assists.
This victory not only improved Illinois”s record to 3-0 but also marked a significant moment for Stojakovic, who expressed his exhilaration after the game, saying, “The atmosphere tonight was amazing. It”s a great feeling.”
