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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
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.
The ceiling for this Illini team remains high, with the potential return of injured players like Mihailo Petrovic and Brandon Lee. If all the pieces fall into place, an NCAA Tournament title could be within reach for this talented squad.
