CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois basketball picked up right where it left off.
After shooting 45.9% from behind the arc and showcasing their physicality on defense and on the glass, Illinois opened their 2025-26 campaign with an 113-55 thrashing over Jackson State Monday, Nov. 3 at State Farm Center, marking its 10th straight opening victory.
“I thought our effort on the glass on both sides was really good,” said head coach Brad Underwood. “With our depth, our players are gonna have to learn that if they
aren’t rebounding, they’re coming out.”
The win kicks off Brad Underwood’s ninth year in Champaign, coming off his sixth straight 20-win season as head coach of the Fighting Illini. The Illini faithful were given their first real look at how the returning starters from last year’s 22-win team would blend on the court with the new additions.
Fans also got a closer look at what the rotation could look like at full strength, with Tomislav Ivisic delivering a promising return in his first minutes since last season and standout international freshman forward David Mirkovic continuing to raise eyebrows after finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Entering the year ranked sixth in KenPom and No. 17 in the AP preseason poll, the Illini continue to carry their momentum forward with a higher ceiling than ever after a promising start to the season without international additions Andrej Stojakovic and Mihailo Petrovic.
Illinois found rhythm early behind efficient long-range shooting from Mirkovic, Ivišić and Humrichous, building a 33-point lead by halftime. With six players in double figures, the Illini shot 54.8% from the field and won the rebound battle 61-19, setting the tone for a high-tempo season ahead.
“It’s gonna be somebody’s turn every night,” Underwood said.
Stat Stuffers
- Illinois blew the game open with a 17-0 run three minutes into the first half.
- Tomislav Ivisic finished with 21 points and four rebounds in his first action of the season.
- Ben Humrichous racked up 21 points and five rebounds, shooting 5-9 from beyond the arc.
- David Mirkovic stood out once again, dropping 19 points and 14 rebounds — the same statline he put up in the exhibition win against Illinois State.
- Keaton Wagler finished with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists.
- The Illini shot 55% from the field and 46% from long range.
You Gotta See This
Mirkovic is having fun — maybe too much fun.
Looking Ahead
- Illinois hosts the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Friday, Nov. 7 at 7:30PM as non-conference play continues.
- Illinois hosts No. 10 Texas Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in an early top-25 matchup at State Farm Center.
