Full Breakdown
Illinois Fighting Illini Secure Victory Over Colgate Behind Mirkovic's Historic Performance
11/15/2025, 12:17:33 PM
Dominant Performance Against Colgate
On November 14, 2025, the No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Colgate Raiders 84-65 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. The victory marked Illinois' fourth consecutive win to start the season, improving their record to 4-0. Freshman forward David Mirkovic led the charge with a standout performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 21 rebounds, becoming the first Illini player to record a 20-20 game since Nick Weatherspoon in 1972.
Despite a sluggish start, Illinois managed to impose their will in the second half. The Illini struggled with perimeter shooting, finishing the game with only 30% from three-point range (11-for-37). However, their rebounding prowess was evident, as they dominated the boards with a 49-29 advantage, including 22 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second-chance points.
Key Players and Contributions
Mirkovic's historic night was complemented by fellow freshman Keaton Wagler, who contributed 19 points and six rebounds. Senior Kylan Boswell added 11 points and four assists, while Ben Humrichous chipped in 10 points. Colgate's Andrew Alekseyenko led his team with 21 points, and Jalen Cox added 12 points and six rebounds.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood praised Mirkovic's performance, highlighting his competitive nature and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. "He’s a young man that strives for greatness. He doesn’t settle," Underwood stated.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While the Illini secured a comfortable victory, the game revealed areas for improvement. Illinois faced challenges against Colgate's zone defense, particularly in the first half, where they struggled to find rhythm and shot just 37.7% from the field overall. Underwood emphasized the need for better movement and execution against zone defenses moving forward.
The Illini's upcoming matchup against No. 8 Alabama on November 19 at the United Center will serve as a significant test. With injuries still affecting the roster, including the absence of starting center Tomislav Ivisic and point guard Mihailo Petrovic, the Illini will need to sharpen their performance to compete against ranked opponents.
Looking Ahead
As Illinois prepares for their next challenge, the focus will be on maintaining momentum while addressing the issues highlighted in the game against Colgate. The Illini's depth and talent have been evident, but consistency will be key as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule that includes matchups against top-tier teams.
The victory over Colgate not only showcased Illinois' potential but also set the stage for what could be a pivotal season in their pursuit of success in the Big Ten and beyond.
