Illinois Breaks Record with 19 Threes in 120‑45 Victory Over FDU

No. 3 Illinois established a program record by hitting 19 of 19 three‑pointers in a dominant 120‑45 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson to open the season on Monday in Champaign, Illinois.

The win set the largest margin of victory in school history (69 points over Chicago State in 1993), and came just seven points behind the previous single‑game scoring record of 108 points when Illinois beat LSU in 1988.

All 13 starters scored, reflecting a relentless pace that outstripped the Knight’s defense.

Andrej Stojakovic shot 9‑of‑11 from the floor, finishing with 20 points in 20 minutes. Transfer Stefan Vaaks contributed five three‑pointers and posted 20 points in his Illinois debut.

Freshman guard Quentin Coleman added 13 points and 10 rebounds, nearly reached a triple‑double before recording six assists. Ethan Brown contributed 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Zavier Zens also provided a further 12 points. The team shot 55.4 % from the field.

The only blemish evident for a program that reached the Final Four the previous year was a sub‑par free‑throw performance, with the Illini falling to 9‑of‑16.

Illinois struck first, establishing a commanding lead that overwhelmed the Knights. The Fighting Illini outrebounded the opponent 65‑21, converting 12 turnovers into 21 points while holding the Knights to 27.9 % shooting.

FDU’s standout contribution came from sophomore guard David Jevtic, who posted 13 points, six rebounds and two three‑pointers despite playing through a broken nose.

Landon Davis sealed the record with his 19th three‑pointer with 1:37 remaining, bringing the Illini’s total to 118‑45.

< p>-Field Level Media

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