Illinois will host Texas Tech on Tuesday night for one of the most highly anticipated non-conference games of the season. Both teams remain undefeated and will look to secure a massive win in the second
week of play.
The matchup to watch Tuesday night will be at the guard position, as Illinois guard Kylan Boswell and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson go head-to-head.
Anderson, a 6-foot-3 sophomore guard, is currently averaging 26 points, 9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds through two games this season. He was named to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team last year and earned preseason All-Big 12 First Team honors heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
“They have two of the premier players in college basketball back in Anderson and Toppin,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood.
Kylan Boswell will need to lock in defensively to slow down Anderson down, a high-level shot maker who can score at all three levels. However, the sophomore guard has some defensive limitations due to his size and strength — an area Boswell can take advantage of.
Anderson’s father played professional basketball, and the Red Raider guard competes for Germany’s youth national teams. He helped lead Germany to a silver medal in the 2025 U19 FIBA World Cup, averaging 17.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. Following his strong performance, he was called up to the German national team and could represent his country in the 2025 EuroBasket competition this August.
Boswell and Anderson are two of the best guards in all of college basketball, setting up what should be a great battle. Anderson was named to the preseason Bob Cousy Award watch list, given to the nation’s top point guard, while Boswell was selected to the preseason Jerry West Award watch list, honoring the best shooting guard.
With star center Tomislav Ivisic sidelined, it’s essential that Boswell remains aggressive on the offensive end. Illinois has a great chance to earn a top-15 win on its home floor if Boswell can win the guard battle against Anderson.
