Cruz Davis’s 20 points lead Texas Tech past Illinois

A Decisive Second-Half Surge

The Texas Tech Red Raiders secured a decisive 84-78 victory over the visiting Illinois Fighting Illini at United Supermarkets Arena on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The win was powered by Cruz Davis, who led all scorers with 20 points while also dishing out five assists.

For Texas Tech, Jamichael Stillwell dominated the glass with 13 rebounds, providing critical support in a game where the second half proved to be the defining phase.

How the Game Unfolded

Texas Tech established an early and commanding presence at home. The Red Raiders built their lead through efficient shooting, including three-pointers from Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. By the end of the first half, Texas Tech held a 49-29 advantage, capitalizing on consistent scoring runs that Illinois struggled to halt.

The final score reflected this dominance, with the home team outscoring the visitors 49-35 in the opening period and holding them to 35 points in the second.

Illinois fought to keep pace throughout the contest. Tomislav Ivisic contributed significantly for the Fighting Illini, grabbing six rebounds and hitting key shots including a 6-foot hook shot and a 25-foot three-pointer. Quentin Coleman was also instrumental for Illinois, finishing with 19 points and four assists.

He connected on multiple threes from distance, including a 28-foot jumper late in the game, and capped his night with a dunk. Despite these efforts, Illinois could not overcome the early deficit.

Key Performances and Final Record

Cruz Davis was the catalyst for Texas Tech, combining scoring with playmaking to keep the Illini defense off balance. His ability to score from various ranges, including layups and jump shots, paired with his five assists, made him the focal point of the Red Raiders' offense. Jamichael Stillwell’s 13 rebounds ensured Texas Tech controlled the boards, limiting Illinois’ second-chance opportunities.

The victory improves Texas Tech’s record to 3-0 on the season. Illinois falls to 2-1 after the loss. The game was played before a crowd of 15,098 at Lubbock, TX, marking another successful home contest for the Red Raiders.

Sources

ESPN