Overview
- Freshman David Mirkovic posted 19 points and 14 rebounds, with Tomislav Ivisic and Ben Humrichous adding 21 points each and Keaton Wagler scoring 18.
- Illinois sank 17 three-pointers, shot roughly 55% from the field, and dominated the glass 61-19.
- A 17-0 first-half surge fueled a 60-27 halftime lead after 10 made threes before the break.
- The victory marked the program’s 10th straight win in a season opener and followed preseason slots at No. 6 in KenPom and No. 17 in the AP poll.
- Four Illini were sidelined with injuries, including Brandon Lee, Andrej Stojakovic, Ty Rodgers and Mihailo Petrovic, with Florida Gulf Coast up next on Nov. 7 before No. 10 Texas Tech on Nov. 10.