Andrej Stojaković Shines as Illinois Tops Texas Rio Grande Valley 87-73
In a commanding display of offensive prowess, the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini secured an 87-73 victory against Texas Rio Grande Valley on Monday night. Star forward Andrej Stojaković showcased his immense talent by scoring 24 points, marking his fourth 20-point performance in just five games.
Impactful Scoring and Team Contributions
Alongside Stojaković, teammates Mihailo Petrović contributed 12 points, while the Ivišić twins, Zvonimir and Tomislav, each chipped in with 10 points. This balanced scoring effort helped the Illini improve their season record to 6-1, maintaining an impressive 6-0 record at home.
Illinois has displayed an explosive start to the season, consistently hitting the 80-point mark in all seven games. This scoring achievement is a notable milestone, as the last time the program maintained such an offensive cadence was during the historic 1988-89 season with the famed "Flyin’ Illini," who advanced to the Final Four after opening with 12 games over 80 points.
Game Breakdown: First Half and Key Performances
Stojaković was particularly effective in the first half, netting 14 of his total points and setting the tone for the Illini’s offensive rhythm. Despite an initial 42-31 lead at halftime, Texas Rio Grande Valley made attempts to narrow the gap, cutting the Illinois lead to six points on two occasions early in the second half. However, they were unable to sustain that momentum.
Kye Dickson led the scoring for Texas Rio Grande Valley with 21 points, while Filip Brankovic added 15. Ultimately, their offensive efforts fell short as the Vaqueros dropped to a record of 2-4 this season.
Dominant Rebounding and Defensive Edge
In addition to their scoring, Illinois showcased their status as the leading rebounding team in the Big Ten with a decisive 44-32 advantage on the boards. Key contributions came from Keaton Wagler and Ben Humrichous, who each grabbed eight rebounds. Zvonimir Ivišić secured seven rebounds, while Stojaković added six to his tally.
The Bigger Picture: Future Challenges
The Vaqueros, who finished last season at 16-15, are looking to build upon their first winning campaign since 2018-19. They are currently navigating their second season in the Southland Conference after spending 11 years in the Western Athletic Conference.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood boasts an impressive track record against Southland teams, having gone 53-1 while at Stephen F. Austin, where he clinched multiple conference titles from 2013-16.
Upcoming Matchup: A Clash with Connecticut
Looking ahead, the Illini are set to face the No. 5 Connecticut Huskies on Friday at the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York. This matchup is anticipated to be a significant test for Illinois as they continue to build momentum in the early part of the season. Both teams will be eager to prove themselves on a national stage.
For more insight into the Illinois basketball program and its potential March Madness aspirations, click here.
Conclusion
As the Fighting Illini continue their journey this season, fans are encouraged to follow their progress closely. With dynamic players like Stojaković leading the charge and a well-rounded team supporting him, the Illinois basketball program is poised to make a significant impact both in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Stay tuned as they aim for continued success and a deep run into March Madness.
