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Illinois Upsets No. 11 Texas Tech Despite Star's Absence

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Illinois defeated No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77 in Champaign, Illinois, improving to 3-0 despite the absence of star center Tomislav Ivišic.
Andrej Stojakovic led Illinois with 23 points.
Kylan Boswell scored 22 points for Illinois.
Texas Tech's JT Toppin scored a game-high 35 points, including 24 in the second half.
Illinois capitalized on Texas Tech's 13 turnovers, scoring 29 points off them.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 NCAA Basketball Championship was a landmark event, highlighting the sport's growing popularity. Michigan State's victory over Indiana State attracted a record television audience of 35 million, reflecting the increasing fan engagement in college basketball. This enthusiasm has persisted, influencing athletic programs and competitive dynamics in the sport across the United States, as seen in Illinois' recent triumph over Texas Tech.

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Story summary

Illinois defeated No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77 in Champaign, Illinois, improving to 3-0 despite the absence of star center Tomislav Ivišic.
Andrej Stojakovic led Illinois with 23 points.
Kylan Boswell scored 22 points for Illinois.
Texas Tech's JT Toppin scored a game-high 35 points, including 24 in the second half.
Illinois capitalized on Texas Tech's 13 turnovers, scoring 29 points off them.

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