In a thrilling college basketball matchup, No. 14 Illinois held off No. 11 Texas Tech for an 81-77 victory on November 11, 2025, at State Farm Center in Champaign. Despite a monster game from Texas Tech’s JT Toppin, who scored 35 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic sealed the win with 23 points and a crucial block in the final seconds.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
Illinois started strong but faced a fierce comeback from Texas Tech. The Fighting Illini built a 13-point halftime lead, going into the break at 45-32. Texas Tech roared back in the second half, making 12 straight shots to take a brief lead.
The Red Raiders grabbed a 56-55 edge on a three-point play by LeJuan Watts with about 13 minutes left. Illinois responded with poise, reclaiming the lead on a layup by Zvonimir Ivisic at the 8:19 mark. The game stayed close until the end, with Stojakovic blocking a potential tying three-pointer from Christian Anderson in the closing seconds.
Free throws played a big role. Illinois made 16 of 23 attempts, while Texas Tech went just 3 for 4. This edge helped the Illini maintain control during key stretches.
Standout Player Performances
JT Toppin dominated for Texas Tech, notching his 33rd career double-double with 35 points and 11 rebounds. His scoring kept the Red Raiders in the fight, especially in the second half where he exploded for most of his points.
On the Illinois side, Andrej Stojakovic led with 23 points, including efficient shooting and that game-saving block. Kylan Boswell added 22 points, providing steady offense. Three other Illini players each scored 11 points: David Mirkovich, Keaton Wagler, and Zvonimir Ivisic.
Texas Tech’s LeJuan Watts contributed 21 points, supporting Toppin’s efforts. The duo accounted for most of the Red Raiders’ scoring, but it was not enough to overcome Illinois’ balanced attack.
Here are the top scorers from the game:
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- JT Toppin (Texas Tech): 35 points, 11 rebounds
- Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois): 23 points, key defensive play
- Kylan Boswell (Illinois): 22 points
- LeJuan Watts (Texas Tech): 21 points
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Team Strategies and Adjustments
Illinois used their size and physical play to disrupt Texas Tech early. They responded to an initial 7-0 Red Raiders run with an 11-point surge, sparked by back-to-back threes from Boswell. At halftime, the Illini had limited Toppin’s touches, forcing other players to step up.
Texas Tech adjusted in the second half by feeding Toppin more and hitting shots at a high rate. Coach Grant McCasland’s team focused on defensive steals, like one that led to a Jaylen Petty dunk highlighted in post-game clips.
Illinois countered with varied defenses on Toppin, including baseline doubles that slowed him late. This tactical shift helped them regain momentum and secure the win.
The game marked the first meeting between these programs, part of a home-and-home series set to continue in Lubbock next year.
Injury Updates and Roster Notes
Both teams dealt with roster challenges going in. Illinois guard Mihailo Petrovic sat out due to a hamstring issue, while Ty Rodgers was also unavailable with a knee problem. Andrej Stojakovic, who had been dealing with a knee injury earlier in the preseason, played through and delivered a strong performance.
For Texas Tech, standout JT Toppin entered as the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year and an All-American. His transfer from New Mexico has boosted the Red Raiders, who started the season 2-0 before this loss.
Pre-game reports noted Illinois’ transfers like Stojakovic from Cal and Boswell from elsewhere adding depth. Texas Tech’s young talent, including guards like Christian Anderson, showed promise but could not close the gap.
Broader Impact on College Basketball Season
This early-season clash between ranked teams boosts Illinois to 3-0, strengthening their case for a top spot in upcoming polls. The win over a strong Texas Tech squad highlights their potential in the Big Ten, where they aim to build on recent successes.
Texas Tech drops to 2-1, but Toppin’s performance signals they remain a Big 12 contender. With players like him leading, they could challenge for the conference title.
College basketball fans saw similar excitement in other recent games, like Creighton versus Gonzaga, underscoring a competitive start to the 2025-26 season.
| Team | First Half Score | Second Half Score | Total Score | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 45 | 36 | 81 | 16/23 Free Throws |
| Texas Tech | 32 | 45 | 77 | 35 Points from JT Toppin |
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
Illinois next faces a lighter schedule before tougher Big Ten play, giving them time to integrate injured players. Texas Tech aims to rebound in upcoming games, leveraging Toppin’s skills against conference foes like Houston.
This game showcased rising stars and set the tone for an exciting season. Fans should watch how these teams evolve.
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