Sunday’s exhibition highlighted the Illini’s depth and pace. Illinois shot 52% overall and limited ISU to 40%, while controlling rebounds 44-29, with Ty Pence standing out as a former St. Joseph-Ogden star.
Photo: Illinois Sports Information/Danny Mattie
Illinois' David Mirkovic goes up for a shot in his debut game at State Farm Center.
CHAMPAIGN — The Fighting Illini fans barely had time to settle into their seats Sunday at State Farm Center before Illinois seized control. With a flurry of fast breaks, crisp passing, and sharp shooting, the No. 17 Illini turned a tied game into a commanding lead and never looked back, cruising to a 92-65 exhibition victory over Illinois State in front of 15,180 fans. Illinois built an early lead with a 34-10 run midway through the first half, turning a 9-9 game into a commanding advantage they never relinquished. By halftime, the Illini were up 47-24, and although Illinois State played better in the second half, dropping 41 points, the Redbirds could not close the gap. Four Illini scored in double figures, highlighted by freshman David Mirkovic, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds while adding six assists in his unofficial Illinois debut. “The first time I’ve been to this arena was two days ago,” Mirkovic said. “I felt like I’ve been here before because I watched a lot of games. The environment was great. It was louder probably than I’ve ever played in a home game. I liked it.” Freshman Brandon Lee scored 17 points on a perfect 5-for-5 performance from the floor and went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Junior Zvonimir Ivisic contributed 15 points and five rebounds, while senior Kylan Boswell added 14 points, three rebounds, and six assists to match Mirkovic. Illinois shot 52% overall, including 39% from 3-point range, while controlling the glass 44-29 and limiting the Redbirds to 40% shooting. Illinois State was led by Jack Daugherty, who finished with 16 points on 5-of-11 three-point shooting. Brandon Lieb and Tyreek Coleman each scored nine points, and former St. Joseph-Ogden standout Ty Pence contributed 8 points in 22:28 of playing time, hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and grabbing two of the Redbirds’ 29 rebounds. Pence, a local product, continues to make his mark after a decorated high school career at St. Joseph-Ogden, showing glimpses of the sharpshooting and versatility that earned him attention at the collegiate level. “I thought we got out and kept a nice pace,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “I’m really pleased with the freshmen. It was a good start and now we have a base.” The Illini open the 2025-26 regular season at State Farm Center on Monday, Nov. 3, against Jackson State at 7:30 p.m. CT on BTN.
