Game 3 preview No. 3 Illinois at No. 16 Texas Tech; 7 p.m., Tuesday (Peacock/NBC Sports Network)

In the upcoming Game 3 preview, No. 3 Illinois will face off against No. 16 Texas Tech at the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and will be broadcast on Peacock/NBC Sports Network.

For Illinois, starters Ethan Brown, Quentin Coleman, Lincoln Williams, Andrej Stojakovic and Tomislav Ivisic will take the court. Off the bench, Stefan Vaaks, Zavier Zens and Lucas Morillo are prepared to enter the game. Meanwhile, Texas Tech's starters include Cruz Davis, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Donovan Atwell, Darrion Williams and Bassala Bagayoko. Off the bench, Damarion Dennis Jr., Josiah Moseley Jr. and DaKari Spear are ready to come in.

The series between the two teams is currently 1-0 in favor of Illinois, who won their last meeting 81-77 on November 11, 2025. Illinois' leading scorer, Andrej Stojakovic, returned from injury, while Texas Tech's JT Toppin is still recovering from ACL surgery.

Illinois' head coach Brad Underwood has been focusing on an up-tempo style of play, which has led to an impressive 120-45 blowout against Fairleigh Dickinson and another rout against Penn, both with high possession counts. Underwood has also started Jason Jakstys on the bench, who has proven to be a versatile player in various positions.

Texas Tech, on the other hand, will be without their top scorer JT Toppin, who is recovering from ACL surgery. The Red Raiders will rely on Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn to lead the team. Head coach Clayton Rawls will rely on an expected slower pace in order to maximize the strengths of his team.