CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Freshman forward David Mirkovic powered No. 14 Illinois (4–0) to an 84–65 victory over Colgate (1–3) Friday at State Farm Center with 27 points, 21 rebounds, and three assists. The 21 boards set a new Illinois freshman record, breaking Kofi Cockburn’s previous mark, and marked the program’s first 20-point, 20-rebound game in 53 years, dating back to Nick Weatherspoon’s 37-and-22 in 1972.
After the Illini built a first-half lead, Colgate surged back to tie the game at 28 with four minutes left before halftime. But from there, Illinois flipped a switch, closing the half on a 13–2 run fueled by defensive pressure and relentless rebounding. By halftime the Illini had dominated the glass 28–13, including 13–1 on the offensive end, setting the tone for what became a 49–29 rebounding advantage and a 22–6 edge in second-chance points.
Freshman Keaton Wagler added another bright spot with 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists, scoring the team’s first five points and continuing his streak of double-figure outings to start his career. Kylan Boswell provided steady guard play with 11 points and a team-high four assists, marking his 12th straight game in double figures. Ben Humrichous chipped in 10 points, while Andrej Stojakovic, making his first Illini start, contributed nine points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Illinois improved to 4–0 for the first time since the 2022–23 season and extended several home streaks, including 33 straight wins over unranked nonconference opponents. A sellout crowd of 15,544 — the third straight full house — energized the Illini throughout the night.
