By IlliniGuys Staff

October 19, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Zeno Jo/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Freshman David Mirkovic posted a double-double in his Illinois debut and the 17th ranked Illini had little trouble with Illinois State in recording a 92-65 win in an exhibition game Sunday afternoon at State Farm Center.

The forward from Montenegro had 10 points and 9 rebounds at halftime as the Illini took a 47-24 lead into the locker room and continued to shine in the second half.  He finished with 19 points, 14 boards and 6 assists in 30 minutes of action.

"I try to do everything, work on everything as much as possible", Mirkovic said after the game on the Illini Radio Network.  "Since I started playing basketball, I always play point guard. When I get (the) rebound, I bring the ball up and that's what all the coaches here want from me. I think this program suits me."

Brandon Lee came through with 14 of his 17 points in the second half. The freshman from New Jersey hit all five of his field goal attempts off the bench in his first look in an Illini uniform. Arkansas transfer Zvonimir Ivisic drained a trio of three-pointers on the way to 15 points. His twin brother Tomislav missed the game after having his tonsils removed this week. Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic also sat this one out as he continues to recover from a minor knee injury during late summer workouts and Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic was idle as he awaits clearance from the NCAA.

Senior Kylan Boswell added 14 points and 6 assists. Ben Humrichous just missed double digits with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Freshman Keaton Wagler added 9 points.

Illinois went on an early 15-2 run to break out of a 9-9 tie and maintained a double-digit lead over a Redbird team that was also missing two starters but one that is expected to compete for the Missouri Valley Conference title. Jack Daughterty connected on five three-pointers to lead Illinois State in scoring with 16 points.

The Illini will open the regular season on Monday, November 3rd when they host Jackson State.