#14 Illini Face #11 Texas Tech Tuesday at State Farm Center
No. 14 Illinois will face off against No. 11 Texas Tech on Tuesday night as part of their ongoing season-opening homestand at State Farm Center. This matchup is set to start at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on FS1. Illinois has confirmed a strong start to their season with two decisive wins, including a 113-55 victory over Jackson State and a 113-70 triumph against Florida Gulf Coast.
Chicago Rivalry at its Peak
The Fighting Illini are striving for a third consecutive win to start the season, a feat they’ve achieved in four of the last five years under head coach Brad Underwood. Historically, Illinois is looking to capitalize on a winning streak of four home games. They are also aiming for their highest-ranked victory since defeating No. 9 Oregon last January.
Team Performance and Rankings
- Illinois moved up three positions to No. 14 in the AP Top 25.
- The team maintains a strong presence in the KenPom rankings, now at No. 3.
- Average home record against Big 12 teams stands at an impressive .840 (21-4).
Key Players to Watch
Several players have made notable contributions early in the season:
- Kylan Boswell: Averaging 20.5 points per game and is 21 points shy of 1,000 career points.
- Keaton Wagler: A freshman standout, he is the Illini’s second leading scorer with 20.5 points per game.
- David Mirkovic: Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after back-to-back double-doubles. He averages 18 points and 12.5 rebounds.
Historical Context and Matchup Insights
Tuesday’s encounter will mark the first official meeting between Illinois and Texas Tech. Coach Brad Underwood has a successful track record against Texas Tech, boasting a 2-0 record from his previous tenure at Oklahoma State. With 27 victories over ranked opponents since 2019, the Illini have built a commendable legacy that puts them among the top teams nationally.
Upcoming Schedule Highlights
- Nov. 19 vs. #8 Alabama (Chicago, Ill.)
- Nov. 28 vs. #3 UConn (New York, N.Y.)
- Dec. 6 vs. #20 Tennessee (Nashville, Tenn.)
- Dec. 22 vs. Missouri (St. Louis, Mo.)
As the Fighting Illini prepare for this crucial matchup, all eyes will be on their performance against Texas Tech. They are not only aiming to continue their unbeaten start but also to establish themselves among the elite programs in college basketball this season.
