CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Freshman David Mirkovic recorded a remarkable 27 points and 21 rebounds as the Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Colgate Raiders,securing their fourth consecutive victory.
Illinois overcame a slow start offensively, initially struggling from beyond the arc, going 1-for-9 early in the game. A late first-half run, fueled by eight made free throws, gave the Illini a pleasant lead heading into halftime. While shooting remained a challenge for Illinois in the second half, Mirkovic’s dominant performance propelled them to victory. He scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists in the second half alone. “It was the same as the first half,” Mirkovic said postgame. “I just got lost in the game.It came naturally.”
Keaton Wagler added 19 points and 6 rebounds for Illinois.Colgate was led by Andrew Alekseyenko with 21 points and 6 rebounds, and Jalen Cox contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Illinois played without tomislav Ivisic, Mihailo Petrovic, and Brandon Lee due to injury. the Illini will next face Alabama at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, November 19th at 8:00 p.m.
