Illinois basketball unleashes offensive identity in season opener vs Jackson State

Illinois basketball cruised to an easy victory over Jackson State in the season opener, winning 113–55. It was never a contest, as the Illini jumped out to a 24–3 lead in the first seven minutes of the game. Jackson State shot just 30.6% from the field and 24.1% from three-point range.

The Illini offense came out firing and maintained an elite level of play throughout. They shot 54.8% from the field and 45.9% from beyond the arc. Their 17 made threes were just one shy of a program record.

Individual Standout performances for the Illini

Super senior Ben Humrichous did not start after being in the starting lineup last season, but he led the team with 21 points, hitting five threes, and grabbing five rebounds.

Junior center Tomislav Ivisic also scored 21 points, despite being on a minute restriction following tonsil surgery a few weeks ago. His strong performance comes as no surprise, as Tomi was recently named to both the preseason Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award watch list (given to the nation’s best center) and the preseason Naismith Trophy watch list (awarded to the top player in college basketball).

Thats an #Illini victory! 113-55

Big time games from:
David Mirkovic: 19 pts, 14 rebounds, 4 assists
Ben Humrichous: 21 pts 5 rebounds, 5/9 from 3
Keaton Wagler: 18 pts 6 rebounds, 4 assists . 8/10 from the ft line
Next up, Florida Gulf Coast on 11/7! pic.twitter.com/ci7g3UXSKY

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) November 4, 2025

Freshmen David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler impressed in their Illinois debuts, scoring 19 and 18 points, respectively. Mirkovic also pulled down 14 rebounds, earning his first career double-double. He became the first Illinois freshman to record a double-double in a season opener since Kofi Cockburn did it in 2019. 

“Andrej Stojakovic will continue to be a game-by-game decision,” Underwood said in his postgame press conference. “Hasn’t gone through a full practice yet.”

Illinois transfer Andrej Stojakovic did not play against Jackson State, and it remains unclear when he will return. Although the Illini didn’t need him against a lesser opponent, it will be interesting to see if he suits up for the matchup against No. 10 Texas Tech on November 11.

This dominant win has propelled Illinois basketball to No. 5 nationally in KenPom and No. 4 at Bart Torvik. The Illini took care of business in Game one and will look to replicate that performance when they host Florida Gulf Coast on Friday.

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