Texas Tech Holds Off Illinois for 49th Straight Nonconference Home Win

Cruz Davis scored 20 points, including 13 in the first half, as Texas Tech built a lead of as many as 22 points and held on for an 84-78 win over Illinois. The Red Raiders improved to 3-0, while Illinois fell to 2-1 in the teams’ November 10 matchup in Lubbock, Texas.

Illinois rallied in the second half and pulled within 65-64 on an Andrej Stojakovic layup with five and a half minutes remaining. Damarion Dennis responded with a three-pointer, and the Illini did not get another opportunity to tie or take the lead. Stojakovic finished with 18 points, 14 after halftime; freshman Quinten Coleman led Illinois with 19.

Jamichael Stillwell put up 11 points and grabbed 13 boards in his first appearance of the season with Texas Tech. The Red Raiders outrebounded Illinois 43-32. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 15 points before leaving the game with help after an apparent lower-body injury. Texas Tech is still without JT Toppin, who is recovering from a torn right ACL.

The victory was Texas Tech’s 49th consecutive nonconference home win and its 103rd in 104 such games since December 2013. The Red Raiders next host Stonehill on Saturday; Illinois hosts Sam Houston State on Friday.