CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois narrowly passed its first major test of the season Tuesday night, outlasting No. 11 Texas Tech in a back-and-forth battle at State Farm Center that marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Tuesday night’s matchup at State Farm Center in Champaign marked the Illini’s first true test of the 2025-26 season, coming off two comfortable wins versus Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast. Illinois leaned on sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković and veteran guard Kylan Boswell to gain control of the game in the dying minutes while Orange Krush’s energy helped seal a defining November win.

After an underwhelming debut against Florida Gulf Coast, sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković heavily contributed to Illinois’ offensive efficiency, boosting them to a 13-point halftime lead after shooting 5-for-5 from the field in the first half. After finding driving lanes in the paint to keep Illinois ahead late in the second half, Stojaković finished with 23 points on 11-for-16 shooting and sealed the win with a decisive block in the last minute of his breakout game for the Illini.

“You’ve got a couple guards that are physical and downhill, and then you’ve got guys who can shoot it and create some space,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. “Andrej is a tremendous value, he was much better tonight. The other night, he was a little sped up. I don’t think we played as fast tonight.”

On top of Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland referring to Boswell’s defensive presence as a “stump”, he was the engine for Illinois today finishing with 22 points and a few clutch free throws that helped him narrowly reach the 1,000 point career milestone on a night to remember.

Although the Illini were without forward Tomislav Ivišić, his twin brother Zvonimir and Big Ten Freshman of the Week David Mirkovic stepped up in the paint to fill the hole that Tomislav left. Big Z finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as Mirkovic tallied 11 points and four rebounds.

International guard Mihailo Petrovic also remained sidelined after being listed as questionable in what would’ve been his Illinois debut.

The gritty matchup gave Illini fans their first look at how they would stack up against a ranked opponent, showing just how far they have come since last season’s tournament run by defeating one of the best programs in the nation.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Veterans Day holiday is celebrated on Tuesday, November 11th, honoring the service and sacrifice of all veterans.

The holiday began as Armistice Day in 1918, a celebration at the end of World War I, and evolved into a way to honor all U.S. veterans and those currently serving in the military.

It was made an official federal holiday in 1938.

Government workers are given a day off work on Veterans Day, although this year, many of them are not at work due to the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.

Are Illinois schools open on Veterans Day?

The Illinois State Board of Education says Veterans Day is considered a “legal school holiday” but “school activities are permitted.”

Rockford Public Schools have November 11th off to observe Veterans Day. Other schools in the surrounding area are also off.

Is there mail delivery on Veterans Day?

The U.S. Postal Service is closed in observance of Veterans Day, but UPS and FedEx will remain operational for the holiday.

Are banks open on Veterans Day?

Most banks across the country are closed for Veterans Day, although the U.S. stock markets are open for trading.

Is the DMV open on Veterans Day?

All Secretary of State’s offices will be closed on Veterans Day, in observance of the holiday.

These restaurants are offering deals on Veterans Day

• Applebee’s – Free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military.
• Buffalo Wild Wings – 10 free boneless wings + fries for veterans and active-duty military.
• Chili’s – Free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
• Chipotle – Buy one entrée, get one free (4–8 p.m.) for military community.
• Cracker Barrel – Free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans.
• Denny’s – Free Original Grand Slam® (5 a.m.–noon) for veterans and active-duty military.
• Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Free pulled pork sandwich for veterans and active-duty military.
• Golden Corral – Free meal during Military Appreciation Night (4 p.m.–close).
• IHOP – Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo for veterans.
• Little Caesars – Free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) for veterans.
• Mission BBQ – Free sandwich on Veterans Day.
• Olive Garden – Free entrée from special menu (includes soup/salad + breadsticks) for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
• Outback Steakhouse – Free three-course “Aussie” meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 10 & Nov 11 with valid military ID (dine-in).
• Red Lobster – Free “Veterans Shrimp & Chips” entrée for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews – Free “Red’s Big Tavern Burger” for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in).
• Scooter’s Coffee – Free medium drink for veterans/active duty with valid ID on Nov 11 (mobile order not available).
• Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military servicemembers and military spouses on Nov 11 (café & drive-thru only).
• Texas Roadhouse – Free meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 at participating restaurants.

Editor’s Note: Our latest weather story on the winter storm can be found here.

Several schools across the Chicago area have announced closures, delays or switches to e-learning ahead of a winter storm beginning late Sunday night.

More than half a dozen schools announced closures, or moves to e-learning protocols, ahead of the anticipated snowfall, according to the Emergency Closing Center.

Below is the latest list of schools that have announced closures, early dismissals or switches to e-learning for classes on Monday.

The announcements come as a winter storm warning was set to take effect for Cook, Kankakee and Lake counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.

Dangerous to impossible travel conditions due to lake effect snow were expected, the National Weather Service stated. Snowfall rates could exceed three inches per hour, and total snow accumulations in excess of 12 inches were possible, meteorologists said.

Track an updated list of school closings across the Chicago area here.