Stojakovic Shines as No. 14 Illinois Tops No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Andrej Stojakovic’s triumphant performance was the difference-maker as No. 14 Illinois pulled off an 81-77 victory over No. 11 Texas Tech in a marquee nonconference clash on Tuesday night. The former Cal transfer, who had been sidelined for most of the preseason with a knee injury, displayed the talent that made him one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.
In front of a roaring crowd at the State Farm Center, and with his father, NBA legend Peja Stojakovic, watching from the stands, the younger Stojakovic was instrumental in securing Illinois’ first-ever nonconference home win over a ranked opponent under Coach Brad Underwood.
Stojakovic’s Impact on Both Ends
Stojakovic, who had been working his way back into form after missing significant time due to injury, led all scorers with 23 points. The 6-foot-7 wing was on fire, shooting 11-for-16 from the field. His size proved a decisive factor as he used his physicality to overpower Texas Tech’s smaller guards, consistently getting to the paint and finishing at the rim with ease.
Beyond his offensive outburst, Stojakovic was crucial defensively. In the second half, he racked up three steals and two blocks, including a game-sealing rejection on a three-point attempt by Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson in the final seconds.
“I’m very proud of him,” said Peja Stojakovic, who was visibly emotional from his courtside seat. “He played with confidence, and that’s what this team needed.”
Illinois Takes Control Early, Holds Off Late Rally
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start. Texas Tech surged to a quick 7-0 lead, but Illinois quickly found its rhythm, going on a 9-0 run fueled by three three-pointers, two of which came from Kylan Boswell. The Red Raiders, led by a dominant performance from All-American JT Toppin, bounced back with an 8-2 run to tie the game at 18-18.
But it was Stojakovic who really took control. He scored 13 points during a key stretch in the first half, helping Illinois finish the period on a 15-5 run and take a 45-32 lead into halftime. The Illini held Texas Tech to just 6-for-19 shooting in the final minutes of the half, thanks in large part to Stojakovic’s defensive presence on Anderson.
Texas Tech’s Second-Half Surge
The Red Raiders came out of the locker room firing, making 11 of their first 13 shots. Toppin was on fire, scoring 24 of his game-high 35 points in the second half, and Texas Tech quickly erased Illinois’ lead to take a 56-55 advantage.
However, Stojakovic would not let his team falter. He scored 13 of Illinois’ next 17 points, helping the Illini reclaim a 76-69 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Despite a valiant late push by Texas Tech, which cut the deficit to just 78-75 with 17 seconds left, Illinois held firm.
A Block That Seals the Win
With 12 seconds left, a controversial flagrant foul call on Boswell gave Texas Tech a chance to tie the game at the free-throw line. However, with the clock winding down, Stojakovic’s game-sealing block on Anderson’s three-pointer silenced the Texas Tech bench and sealed the victory for Illinois. Keaton Wagler added one more free throw to ensure the Illini stayed ahead, giving them the 81-77 win.
A Statement Win for Underwood’s Illini
This victory is a major statement for Brad Underwood’s program. With a challenging nonconference schedule ahead, Illinois showed it can compete at the highest level, even without star center Tomislav Ivisic, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
“This is one of the biggest nonconference wins we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Underwood said after the game. “We’ve got a deep roster, and tonight, you saw what this team is capable of when we’re firing on all cylinders.”
Stats of the Game:
- Stojakovic: 23 points, 3 steals, 2 blocks
- Toppin: 35 points, 10 rebounds (Game-high in both categories)
- Boswell: 22 points, 4 assists
- Illinois rebounds: 34 (14 offensive)
- Texas Tech rebounds: 30 (7 offensive)
- Free Throws: Illinois shot 16-for-23, Texas Tech 3-for-4
Key Contributions from Others
While Stojakovic stole the spotlight, Illinois received valuable contributions from several players. Freshman David Mirkovic added 11 points, while Wagler, though not scoring efficiently, made his presence felt with seven rebounds, six of which were on the offensive glass.
“I’m proud of Keaton,” Underwood said. “He did all the little things that helped us win tonight.”
Looking Ahead
Illinois will look to build on this momentum when they host Colgate on Friday at 8 p.m. CT. The Illini are 5-0 all-time against Colgate, and with the confidence from Tuesday’s win, they will be eager to continue their strong start to the season.
For Texas Tech, the loss stings, but the Red Raiders, led by Toppin, will look to regroup as they prepare for the rest of their challenging nonconference schedule.
What It Means for Illinois
This win is more than just another notch in the win column; it’s a confidence booster for a team that has the potential to compete at the highest levels of the NCAA Tournament. With a solid mix of talent, experience, and depth, Illinois has positioned itself as one of the top teams in the nation—and this victory over a ranked Texas Tech squad only bolsters that claim.
As the season progresses, look for Stojakovic to continue playing a pivotal role in the Illini’s success, and for Illinois to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and beyond.
