ST. JOSEPH - Spartans' defensive lineman Jameson Ennis shucks off a Monticello offensive lineman J.D. Bailey trying to shutdown a drive in the second half. SJO (4-4), suffering their first three-game slide since the 2021 season, needs a win over Pontiac (2-5) this Friday if they hope to find a spot in the 2025 playoffs.
Illini Prairie Conference scores
Seneca 39, St. Joseph-Ogden 36
Unity 48, Illinois Valley Central 14
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 46, Rantoul 0
Central Catholic 48, Pontiac 21
Monticello 18, Prairie Central 14
Week 8 Results
Rank
Name
Record
Notes
1
Mike Roy
5-0
Week 8 winner!!!
2
J
4-1
5-way tie
2
Denise
4-1
5-way tie
2
Alan
4-1
5-way tie
2
Sara
4-1
5-way tie
2
Brooks Look
4-1
5-way tie
Cumulative Standings (After Week 8)
Rank
Name
Total Record
Wins
Notes
1
Brooks Look
33-7
2
Week 2 & 5 winner
2
Denise
30-10
0
2
Alan
30-10
1
Week 7 winner
4
Sara
26-9
1
Week 3 winner
5
J
25-5
2
Week 1 & 4 winner
6
Lyman
10-5
0
7
Mike Roy
10-0
2
Week 6 & 8 Winner
8
Frank
7-3
0
9
Denise J
5-0
0
New participant this week
10
Keith
3-2
0
TAGS: Illini Prairie Conference weekly football predictions, Week 9 SJO football predictions, Prairie Central Hawks football predictions this week, IHSA football prediction for the IPC
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.
TAGGED: Illinois Fighting Illini exhibition win, Ty Pence Illinois State basketball, Illinois State Redbirds game recap, David Mirkovic double-double, St. Joseph-Ogden basketball alumni, Illini basketball 2025-26 season preview
