How did the Illinois Fighting Illini perform without Tomislav Ivisic?

The Illinois Fighting Illini managed to defeat the No. 11 Texas Tech Red Raiders despite the absence of their star player, Tomislav Ivisic.

Who are the three potential "best players" on the Illinois team?

The three players who could be considered the "best" on the Illinois team are Kylan Boswell, Andrej Stojakovic, and Tomislav Ivisic.

What is the ceiling for the Illinois Fighting Illini this season?

The ceiling for the Illinois Fighting Illini team is the highest it has been since the 2004-05 national championship runner-up squad, and an NCAA Tournament title is within reach if all the pieces fall into place.

Home / Sports / Illinois Shines Without Star Ivisic, Topples Texas Tech

Illinois Shines Without Star Ivisic, Topples Texas Tech

13 Nov

•

Summary

Illinois defeats No. 11 Texas Tech without star player Tomislav Ivisic
Illini have 3 potential "best players" in Boswell, Stojakovic, and Ivisic
Illinois' ceiling remains high despite missing key players

Illinois Shines Without Star Ivisic, Topples Texas Tech

On November 13, 2025, the No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini pulled off a surprising upset, defeating the No. 11 Texas Tech Red Raiders despite the absence of their star player, Tomislav Ivisic.

Last season, Ivisic was widely considered the most influential player on the Illini squad, but this year, the team has proven they can win without him. Senior guard Kylan Boswell has emerged as a standout performer, while Andrej Stojakovic has also put himself in the running for the "most influential" title.

The Illini's ability to overcome Ivisic's absence and still defeat a ranked opponent is a testament to their depth and potential. Texas Tech shot an impressive 53.1% from the field, and their go-to option, JT Toppin, finished with 35 points. Yet, Illinois still managed to secure a four-point victory, showcasing their resilience.