The Illinois basketball team has the first big test of the season, as No. 11 Texas Tech comes to town on Tuesday night.
It was an incredible start to the 2025-26 campaign for the Illini. We are cooking on offense, averaging 113 points per game through two games. But we haven’t played any quality competition, so who knows what will stick and what won’t.
Illinois’ challenge against Texas Tech is going to be fun. This will be a great measuring stick game to see where the program is and what needs to be worked on moving forward.
Here is the Illinois basketball vs Texas Tech – How to watch, series history, and players to watch
- Illinois basketball vs Texas Tech – How to watch
This matchup between two top 15 programs can be viewed on FS1 starting at 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET. The game takes place in Champaign, Illinois. You can also check this game out through FuboTV at this link.
- Illinois basketball vs Texas Tech – Series history
To date, there is no record of Illinois ever playing Texas Tech. That means this is the first game of the series. Fittingly, both teams are ranked inside the top 15 in the country, so the series will get off on a high note.
- Illinois basketball vs Texas Tech – Players to watch
Illinois is playing some high-level basketball right now, even without three players missing in each of the first two games. Backup big man Zvonimir Ivisic is going to be an important piece for the Illini on Tuesday night. His ability to play in the post and stretch the floor will give Texas Tech trouble.
Kylan Boswell’s veteran leadership will also be crucial in Illinois’ success. He dropped 31 points against Florida Gulf Coast, and his downhill style can give teams problems in the lane. Lastly, freshman David Mirkovic hasn’t been slowed down yet. He doesn’t have a ton of experience in the States, but his basketball IQ is through the roof.
On Texas Tech’s side of things, JT Toppin is back in action. He played in their last game and finished with 31 points. He is an All-American-caliber player for the Red Raiders. Donovan Atwell is someone who needs to be guarded on the perimeter. If Illinois sags off of him, he will light us up from deep.