The No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini visit the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday. Fans can watch the matchup starting at 7 p.m. CT via Peacock, YouTube TV, Fubo, or the NBC Sports Network.
This Tuesday night contest serves as a high-stakes litmus test for Texas Tech. According to Sports Illustrated, the Red Raiders face a massive opportunity to prove they are legitimate title contenders by attempting to upset one of the most formidable rosters in college basketball.
The stakes for the Lubbock crowd are high, as the home team will need every advantage to overcome a powerhouse Illinois squad. While the Illini enter the arena as a top-ranked opponent, injuries are challenging their depth.
Illinois faces roster shortages
Illinois is playing without two of its starters, a development that could shift the momentum of the game. Texas Tech Red Raiders On SI reported that Illini forward Jake Davis is out indefinitely following surgery for a separated left shoulder sustained during the season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson.
The Fighting Illini are also missing star forward David Mirkovic. Mirkovic is sidelined for this matchup following offseason foot surgery and an appendectomy, leaving a notable gap in the Illinois rotation.
Despite these absences, the Illinois offense remains a primary threat. The team features several high-level scoring options that Texas Tech must contain to remain competitive throughout the night.
Key players to watch
The matchup between Illinois’ elite scorers and Texas Tech’s defensive specialists will likely dictate the outcome. Senior Andrej Stojakovic is the visiting team's biggest threat.
Stojakovic, a 6’7″ senior, has seen a massive surge in production. After averaging 13.5 points last season, he has jumped to 22.5 points per game through the first two games of the 2026-27 campaign, shooting 64.3% from the field.
Texas Tech will also need to account for freshman guard Quentin Coleman, who provides the Illini with additional scoring depth. The effectiveness of Coleman against Texas Tech’s Cruz Davis could be a deciding factor, as Davis has been described as an exceptional defensive presence for the Red Raiders so far.
Texas Tech needs Jamichael Stillwell to return to manage this offensive onslaught. Stillwell is back in the lineup after being deemed eligible, providing the Red Raiders with much-needed help to slow down the Illinois attack.
Game Information Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
| Tip-off Time | 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Location | United Supermarkets Arena (Lubbock, TX) |
| Primary Broadcast | NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) |
| Streaming Services | Peacock, YouTube TV, Fubo |
The atmosphere in Lubbock will be critical for the Red Raiders. While Illinois possesses one of the nation’s best rosters, the absence of Davis and Mirkovic provides a narrow window for Texas Tech to execute an upset.
The game begins at 7 p.m. CT at United Supermarkets Arena.
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