Illinois Basketball Beats Penn 112-70: Stojakovic Scores 25, Coleman Shines

Penn came into Thursday night with plenty of reasons to believe it could make things interesting. Illinois basketball, however, had other ideas.

The Quakers returned four starters and seven of their top nine scorers from a team that won the Ivy League tournament a year ago and earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018. They also had a familiar face on the sideline in former Iowa coach Fran McCaffery, now in his second season leading the program.

For the first eight minutes, Penn looked capable of making things uncomfortable. Turnovers disrupted Illinois’ offensive rhythm, and the Quakers found early success on the offensive glass. But eventually, the difference in athleticism, depth, and pace became too much to overcome.

No. 3 Illinois ran away with a 112-70 victory at State Farm Center

There was a little history between these two programs entering the night. Illinois basketball defeated Penn 105-70 in a first-round NCAA Tournament game last season, with David Mirkovic delivering a monster performance of 29 points and 17 rebounds. The Illini eventually went on to reach the Final Four, while Penn returned home after its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years.

McCaffery also brought some familiarity to the matchup. During his 15 seasons at Iowa, his Hawkeyes went 16-11 against Illinois. Thursday, however, offered a much different experience for the former Big Ten coach.

Andrej Stojakovic made sure of that early.

The junior guard finished with a game-high 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, including 21 points in the first half. With Illinois struggling to find its rhythm, Stojakovic repeatedly attacked the basket and provided the offensive production needed to keep the Quakers from gaining confidence.

His ability to get downhill continues to be one of Illinois’ biggest weapons. Stojakovic combines strength and athleticism with an ability to finish through contact, and Penn had very few answers once he started attacking.

But while Stojakovic provided the early fireworks, freshman Quentin Coleman might have been the night’s most encouraging storyline.

Quentin Coleman continues to impress

Coleman finished with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, scoring 15 of those points in the second half. He continues to look increasingly comfortable in Underwood’s system, showing an ability to run the floor, finish around the basket, and contribute without needing the ball in his hands on every possession.

For a team with legitimate aspirations of making another deep tournament run, having a freshman provide this kind of production is an important development.

The game turned midway through the first half. With Illinois basketball holding a narrow 23-22 advantage, they put together an 18-1 run that completely changed the complexion of the contest. The transition game came alive, the defensive intensity improved, and Penn suddenly couldn’t keep up.

Three breakaway dunks from Zvonimir Ivisic, Stojakovic, and Stefan Vaaks in a span of just 36 seconds provided the highlight sequence.

Tomislav Ivisic kept it all together

Tomislav Ivisic finished with just two points, but his contribution went well beyond the box score. Ivisic’s rim protection was on full display, as he recorded three blocks and altered several other attempts. His size and length made life difficult for Penn around the basket, while his ability to make plays defensively allowed Illinois to be more aggressive elsewhere.

His passing was equally impressive. Ivisic handed out seven assists, demonstrating the kind of playmaking ability that makes Illinois’ frontcourt so difficult to defend. Whether finding cutters, delivering passes in transition, or creating opportunities around the basket, Tomi showed that he can influence the game without being a primary scoring option.

Illinois received plenty of additional production. Zavier Zens scored 18 points, Ethan Brown recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Lincoln Williams added 12 points and nine rebounds in his collegiate debut. Vaaks also reached double figures with 11 points.

The Illini shot nearly 59 percent from the field, outrebounded Penn 62-33 and scored 66 points in the paint. Six players finished in double figures.

There are still things for Underwood to address. Nineteen turnovers and the early rebounding struggles won’t go unnoticed, particularly with tougher competition approaching.

Contributions from the top down

Stojakovic can carry the scoring load. Coleman is quickly becoming a dependable offensive weapon. Tomislav Ivisic can impact the game as a passer and rim protector, even when the points aren’t there. And Illinois continues to get meaningful contributions from its younger players.

Last season, Illinois used a dominant performance against Penn as the beginning of its NCAA Tournament run to the Final Four.

This time, the Illini didn’t need a tournament setting to make the same opponent look overmatched. The pace eventually took over, and the rest of the country got another look at just how dangerous this Illinois offense can be.

Next up: Illinois basketball heads to Lubbock for its first major road test against No. 19 Texas Tech.

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