Illinois Edges Texas Tech in Close Contest
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 8:30 PM ET · State Farm Center
Illinois Fighting Illini 81, Texas Tech Red Raiders 77, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Illinois Fighting Illini beat Texas Tech Red Raiders 81-77 at State Farm Center on November 11, 2025.
In a thrilling matchup at the State Farm Center, the Illinois Fighting Illini secured a narrow victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders, finishing the game with a score of 81-77. This result not only highlights Illinois' strong start to the season but also showcases their ability to perform under pressure in front of their home crowd.
Illinois entered the game with a perfect home record of 3-0 and a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, currently riding a two-game winning streak. Their scoring average has been impressive, with the team averaging 86.5 points per game while allowing 80.5. In their last five games, they have averaged 97.0 points, indicating a potent offense that has been difficult for opponents to contain. Notably, their recent victories include a commanding win against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, where they triumphed 113-70, and a solid performance against the Jackson State Tigers, winning 113-55.
On the other hand, Texas Tech came into the game with a record of 2-1 on the road and a solid overall record of 2-1 this season. The Red Raiders have also been in good form, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, with a scoring average of 80.6 points per game and allowing 69.1 points. They, too, are on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Sam Houston Bearkats 98-77 and the Lindenwood Lions 98-60. Their ability to score, especially in recent outings, has made them a formidable opponent.
The game itself was closely contested, with both teams trading leads throughout. Key scoring plays in the second half included a jumper by LeJuan Watts, which brought Texas Tech within three points at 76-73, and a layup by Kylan Boswell that extended Illinois' lead to 78-73. The tension escalated as both teams exchanged free throws in the final moments, but Illinois managed to hold on to their lead, ultimately sealing the victory with a free throw from Keaton Wagler.
In terms of previous meetings, this game marked a continuation of a competitive rivalry, with both teams having faced each other in the past. However, the specific outcomes of those encounters were not detailed in the provided information.
The injury picture was not specified in the block, leaving the status of any key players in question. However, both teams appeared to field their strongest lineups, contributing to the high level of play witnessed during the game.
Betting lines indicated that Illinois had a strong probability of winning, with a final home win probability of 1.0, reflecting confidence in their home advantage. The market positioning suggests that Illinois was favored to win this matchup, which they ultimately did.
The conditions for the game were typical for an indoor basketball setting, with a lively atmosphere generated by the home crowd at the State Farm Center. The energy in the arena likely played a role in motivating the Fighting Illini to secure the win.
Viewers should have noted the standout performances from key players, particularly Kylan Boswell, who made critical plays in the closing moments, and LeJuan Watts, who kept Texas Tech competitive throughout the game. The ability of both teams to score in quick succession and the strategic decisions made by the coaches during crucial moments were also significant factors in the outcome of this exciting matchup.
Leaders
- PointsAndrej Stojakovic23Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsKylan Boswell3Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsZvonimir Ivisic7Illinois Fighting Illini
- PointsJT Toppin35Texas Tech Red Raiders
- AssistsChristian Anderson11Texas Tech Red Raiders
- ReboundsJT Toppin11Texas Tech Red Raiders
Recent form
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 6-4Streak W286.5 scored · 80.5 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W113-70vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 8
- W113-55vs Jackson State TigersNov 4
- L65-88at Maryland TerrapinsMar 14
- W106-94vs Iowa HawkeyesMar 13
- W88-80vs Purdue BoilermakersMar 8
- W93-73at Michigan WolverinesMar 2
- W81-61vs Iowa HawkeyesFeb 26
- L67-110vs Duke Blue DevilsFeb 23
- L74-95at Wisconsin BadgersFeb 19
- L65-79vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 16
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Last 10: 7-3Streak W280.6 scored · 69.1 allowed per game2-1 away
- W98-77vs Sam Houston BearkatsNov 8
- W98-60vs Lindenwood LionsNov 5
- L80-86vs Arizona WildcatsMar 15
- W76-74vs Baylor BearsMar 13
- W85-57at Arizona State Sun DevilsMar 9
- W91-75vs Colorado BuffaloesMar 6
- W78-73at Kansas JayhawksMar 1
- L61-69vs Houston CougarsFeb 25
- W73-51vs West Virginia MountaineersFeb 22
- L66-69at TCU Horned FrogsFeb 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Texas Tech Red Raiders | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-64 | 29-59 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 6-22 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 32 |
| Free throws | 3-4 | 16-23 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 23 |
| Assists | 20 | 5 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 29 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 42 |
| Fouls | 18 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half40-51Keaton Wagler made Jumper.
- 2nd Half43-51LeJuan Watts made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Christian Anderson.
- 2nd Half43-53David Mirkovic made Layup.
- 2nd Half45-53Christian Anderson made Jumper.
- 2nd Half47-53JT Toppin made Dunk. Assisted by Jaylen Petty.
- 2nd Half47-54Keaton Wagler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-55Keaton Wagler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-55JT Toppin made Dunk. Assisted by Christian Anderson.
- 2nd Half51-55JT Toppin made Jumper.
- 2nd Half53-55JT Toppin made Jumper. Assisted by Jaylen Petty.
- 2nd Half55-55LeJuan Watts made Layup.
- 2nd Half56-55LeJuan Watts made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-56Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-57Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-58Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-59Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-59JT Toppin made Jumper.
- 2nd Half58-61Andrej Stojakovic made Layup.
- 2nd Half58-62Andrej Stojakovic made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-62Donovan Atwell made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Christian Anderson.
- 2nd Half61-64Andrej Stojakovic made Jumper.
- 2nd Half63-64JT Toppin made Jumper.
- 2nd Half65-64LeJuan Watts made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half65-66Zvonimir Ivisic made Layup.
- 2nd Half65-68Andrej Stojakovic made Layup.
- 2nd Half65-70Andrej Stojakovic made Jumper.
- 2nd Half65-72Kylan Boswell made Layup. Assisted by David Mirkovic.
- 2nd Half67-72JT Toppin made Jumper. Assisted by Christian Anderson.
- 2nd Half67-74Andrej Stojakovic made Jumper.
- 2nd Half69-74JT Toppin made Layup. Assisted by Christian Anderson.
- 2nd Half69-76Andrej Stojakovic made Layup.
- 2nd Half71-76JT Toppin made Layup.
- 2nd Half73-76LeJuan Watts made Jumper. Assisted by JT Toppin.
- 2nd Half73-78Kylan Boswell made Layup.
- 2nd Half75-78LeJuan Watts made Layup. Assisted by Christian Anderson.
- 2nd Half75-79Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-80Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-80LeJuan Watts made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-80LeJuan Watts made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-81Keaton Wagler made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois Fighting Illini, below favours Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Venue
- State Farm CenterChampaign, IL
- Attendance15544
- OfficialsKeith Kimble, Mike Reed, Kelly Pfeifer
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond