No. 17 Illinois defeated Illinois State in an exhibition, 92-65, on Sunday. Both teams were down multiple star players.
ISU was without Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger, who combined for 29 PPG last season.
Illinois was down Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic (18 PPG), 22 year old European pro Mihailo Petrovic, and returning center Tomislav Ivisic (13 PPG).
Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic stepped up with 15 points, and freshman PF David Mirkovic thrived with 19 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in his Illinois debut.
Illini HC Brad Underwood said Mirkovic used to be a point guard in Europe before growing.
Illini G Kylan Boswell added 14 points and six assists, and shot over 50% from the field. He hit two three-pointers and drove to the basketball multiple times.
F Ben Humrichous, who gained dozens of pounds of muscle this off-season, scored nine points and had seven rebounds.
Frehsman G Keaton Wagler scored nine points but had five fouls in a much anticipated debut.
Underwood said Tomislav Ivisic, who had his tonsils removed, is making good progress to return.
But said it’s unknown whether Petrovic and Stojakovic will return in time for the season opener. Petrovic pulled a hamstring, and still needs NCAA approval to play regular season games. Stojakovic hasn’t practiced in a month due to a knee injury.
Next up: a closed door scrimmage vs. Florida, the defending national champs.
The season opener for Illinois is Nov. 3 vs. Jackson State.
ISU and Illinois are both projected to make the NCAA Tournament.