CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois’ newcomers look pretty good.
International additions David Mirkovic and Zvonimir Ivisic delivered a promising performance to Illinois fans in the Illini’s 92-65 exhibition win over Illinois State on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Center.
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With the Illini missing three key players in Andrej Stojakovic, Mihailo Petrovic and Tomislav Ivisic, fans were able to get a glimpse of two other promising names who will be producing this season: Mirkovic and Tomislav’s brother Zvonimir.
Mirkovic, a freshman forward from Montenegro, began raising eyebrows after nearly finishing the first half with a double-double and displaying his physicality and intelligence with confidence. He topped the Illini scoresheet with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists in his first game at State Farm Center. Although he found a block in the road with free throws, Illinois fans are more focused on his outstanding debut.
Zvonimir Ivisic, junior big man transfer from Arkansas, finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks, showcasing what he’s best at with his three ball and his rim protection ability.
To nobody’s surprise, senior guard Kylan Boswell was one of the many engines of the squad Sunday, with 12 first-half points and a defensive presence that helped give the Illini a 23-point lead entering the second.
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Moments that Mattered
In the second half, freshman guards Keaton Wagler and Brandon Lee showed their eagerness to contribute, with both taking authority by driving to the hoop and taking more shots even after slow starts and foul trouble. Lee shot 100% from the field, finishing with 17 points while Wagler finished with 9.
“There’s a mental maturity to that,” said head coach Brad Underwood. “I think both of those young guys made some freshman mistakes fouling-wise, but I thought that Brandon especially matched the physicality.”
Tweet of the Game
Stat Stuffers
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14 of Brandon Lee’s 17 points came in the second half.
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Forward Ben Humrichous finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his physicality.
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The Illini finished with 15 fast break points and 18 second-chance points.
Up Next
Now comes the regular season.
Illinois has two weeks off until it hosts Jackson State on college basketball’s opening night on Nov. 3.
