UCLA, Illinois, and Gonzaga have been among the top programs in college basketball for years, but some lesser-known schools are starting to make a name for themselves.
The University of Illinois took center stage over the weekend with a convincing 113-55 win over Jackson State. The victory not only marked the start of the Big Ten season, but also showcased the impressive skills of freshman forward David Mirkovic from Montenegro. With an impressive 19 points and 14 rebounds, Mirkovic proved himself to be a valuable asset to the team.
The Illini were led by a strong performance from their international players, including Mirkovic, Ben Humrichous, Tomislav Ivisic, Keaton Wagler, and Jake Davis. The team's high-powered offense netted 17 three-pointers, while also outrebounding Jackson State 61-19.
Despite missing four key players due to injuries, Illinois showed resilience in its dominant performance. A 17-point run early on set the tone for the game, with the Illini taking a commanding 60-27 lead at halftime. The team's strong shooting from beyond the arc was a key factor in their success, with 10 of those three-pointers coming in the first half.
For Jackson State, the loss marked another tough test in its early season schedule. With nine games on the road to start the year, the Tigers will face several top-ranked teams, including No. 2 Houston and Louisville. Meanwhile, Illinois looks to continue its winning ways at home against Florida Gulf Coast this Friday night.
The University of Illinois took center stage over the weekend with a convincing 113-55 win over Jackson State. The victory not only marked the start of the Big Ten season, but also showcased the impressive skills of freshman forward David Mirkovic from Montenegro. With an impressive 19 points and 14 rebounds, Mirkovic proved himself to be a valuable asset to the team.
The Illini were led by a strong performance from their international players, including Mirkovic, Ben Humrichous, Tomislav Ivisic, Keaton Wagler, and Jake Davis. The team's high-powered offense netted 17 three-pointers, while also outrebounding Jackson State 61-19.
Despite missing four key players due to injuries, Illinois showed resilience in its dominant performance. A 17-point run early on set the tone for the game, with the Illini taking a commanding 60-27 lead at halftime. The team's strong shooting from beyond the arc was a key factor in their success, with 10 of those three-pointers coming in the first half.
For Jackson State, the loss marked another tough test in its early season schedule. With nine games on the road to start the year, the Tigers will face several top-ranked teams, including No. 2 Houston and Louisville. Meanwhile, Illinois looks to continue its winning ways at home against Florida Gulf Coast this Friday night.
just saw that David Mirkovic from Montenegro is a FRESHMAN and already racking up 19 points and 14 rebounds?! That's insane! 
I feel like he's going to be a key player for the Illini all season long. And can we talk about how awesome it is that they're getting so much production out of their international players? It's not every day you see a team with such depth and talent, especially in college hoops. 
The fact that they were able to pull off a 17-point run early on and take control of the game was so impressive. I'm definitely keeping an eye on this team as they head into their next matchup against Florida Gulf Coast. 
And can we talk about that 17-point run? 
Go Illini!!!
I feel like the underdog schools are getting more love now that the bigger programs have already made a name for themselves. Like, who's gonna care about Illinois taking down Jackson State when they're already playing in the Big Ten? It's not to say Illinois isn't talented or anything... David Mirkovic is definitely a skilled player 
i wonder if he got picked up by any scouts from the nba teams 
ilinois is def making some noise this season, but did u know they're gonna play florida gulf coast at home this friday night? 
that's gonna be a sick game, i'm hyped! 
some new schools r popping up like lil flames in basketball rn 
cant wait 2 c more of da young guns like David Mirkovic rockin da court 
and da Illini squad just straight ballin 
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! David Mirkovic is a star in the making 
19 points and 14 rebounds, whoa! 
. The Illini's offense was 
I mean, Illinois has some serious firepower with Humrichous and Ivisic too... are these guys recruited specifically because of their basketball skills or is there something more going on? 
. Are they expected to be good this season or was that just a bad matchup? 
! UCLA, Illinois, and Gonzaga have been on top for years, but it's awesome to see other programs like Jackson State giving them a run for their money. That freshman David Mirkovic from Montenegro is insane 
. Can't wait to see what the rest of their season holds. Florida Gulf Coast better bring their A-game when they face Illinois on Friday! 
Nowadays, it's like anyone can make a name for themselves! I'm loving seeing these lesser-known schools like Illinois and Gonzaga getting some love. That David Mirkovic kid from Montenegro is straight fire 
. But hey, the Illini looked solid out there, especially with their international squad bringing the heat 
their defense is probably all over the place since they lost four key players i mean it's one thing to show resilience but if you're playing a team that's barely holding on in conference, it's not exactly a win against the world ... and mirkovic sounds like a pretty big liability for them, 19 points and 14 rebounds? yeah right he probably got like 70% of his points from easy shots 
. It'll be interesting to see how he and the rest of the international players contribute to their team's success this season 
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. The team's international players are looking like a game-changer too - they're bringing all sorts of talent to the table 
... I'm kinda surprised Jackson State kept it as close as they did, especially with those injuries 
. Can't wait to see what's next for Illinois this Friday night, gonna be a fun game to watch! 
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