The Red Raiders came into State Farm Center hungry for a top-25 win. They were ranked 11th in the country and have a star by the name of JT Toppin. Illinois simply didn’t care.

Illinois’ Balanced Attack Helped Keep Texas Tech At Bay

The game started with a 7–0 Texas Tech run, but Illinois answered with an 11–0 run of their own. It began with senior guard Kylan Boswell knocking down back-to-back threes.

Against an elite team like Texas Tech, you need your best players to play their best. Illinois had that — and then some. Five Illini scored in double figures. One of them was Boswell, who led the starters with 22 points, getting to the line 13 times and hitting nine.

Illinois forward Zvonimir Ivisic and guard Keaton Wagler cleaned up the glass, grabbing seven rebounds apiece.

With Boswell leading the way, Illinois carried a comfortable 45–32 lead into the break.

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shoots the ball over Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Texas Tech Storms Back In The Second Half

Texas Tech responded in a big way in the second half. Toppin showed why he’s is the man for Texas Tech. Down 13 at the break, it was crucial they didn’t fall further behind — especially on the road against a strong Illinois team. Toppin didn’t let that happen, scoring 14 of Texas Tech’s first 24 points of the half. The Red Raiders made their first 11 shots, and Toppin took over, scoring at will.

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) shoots the ball over Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois had no answer for him on defense. That just meant they had to outscore him offensively. 6’7″ transfer guard Andrej Stojakovic got the message and went to work — finger rolls, up-and-unders, fadeaways. He did it all, and it was a delight to watch.

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots the ball over Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Toppin–Stojakovic battle went down to the wire. Time ticked away as Texas Tech needed a basket. Down 80–77 with nine seconds left, sophomore guard Christian Andersen let fly from three — but Stojakovic soared through the air and got the block! The timely stop helped Illinois secure an 81–77 win.

End Of My Illinois Rant

The Fighting Illini certainly earned that win against a top-25 team — a huge boost for their resume and confidence early in the season.