Illinois Falls to Texas Tech 84-78 in Lubbock

A Tough Loss for Illinois

The Illinois Fighting Illini returned home from Lubbock with a 78-84 loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The defeat marks the second loss for the Illini, who now sit at 2-1 on the season.

Playing in front of a crowd of 15,098 at United Supermarkets Arena, the visiting team struggled to keep pace with the host Red Raiders, who improved to a perfect 3-0 record. The game was decided by a six-point margin, with Texas Tech holding the lead for the majority of the contest.

First Half Dominance

Texas Tech established an early advantage, finishing the first half ahead 49-29. The Red Raiders were aggressive on both ends of the floor, utilizing their home-court advantage to build a significant cushion. Cruz Davis was a key factor in the first twenty minutes, hitting multiple three-pointers and driving to the basket.

By the end of the half, the gap was too large for Illinois to overcome, as the Red Raiders controlled the tempo and limited the Fighting Illini to just 29 points in the first 20 minutes. The disparity in scoring set the tone for the remainder of the game, with Texas Tech maintaining a consistent lead.

Second Half Effort

Illinois attempted to rally in the second half, scoring 49 points in the final twenty minutes to close the gap. Quentin Coleman led the Illini offensive effort, finishing with 19 points and four assists. Tomislav Ivisic provided support on the glass, grabbing six rebounds for the visitors.

Despite the second-half push, the 20-point deficit from the first half proved insurmountable. Texas Tech’s defense remained tight, preventing Illinois from gaining a decisive momentum shift. The Red Raiders managed the game effectively, ensuring they maintained their lead through the final seconds.

Key Performances

Cruz Davis was the standout performer for Texas Tech, leading all scorers with 20 points. He also contributed five assists, facilitating the Red Raiders' offense. On the boards, Jamichael Stillwell dominated with 13 rebounds, securing crucial possessions for the home team.

For Illinois, Quentin Coleman’s 19 points were the highlight of an otherwise disappointing outing. The Fighting Illini will look to bounce back in their next contest, aiming to improve upon their 2-1 start to the season.

Sources

ESPN