Tech led 49-29 at halftime. Illinois chewed that down to 68-66 in the second half. Then shooting guard Donovan Atwell hit a three-pointer with 4:01 left, and the momentum swung Tech's way for the rest of the game.
Point guard Cruz Davis made the biggest difference with 20 points and five assists in 38 minutes. Forward JaMichael Stillwell, who got the OK to play late last week, grabbed 13 rebounds and scored 11 in his first game this year. UNLV transfer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn added 15 points.
For Tech fans, the win settles an 81-77 loss from last year in Champaign, Ill. It also hands a top-three team a loss and gives the Red Raiders a double-double from a player who was not even in the lineup a week ago. Next up is Stonehill College at noon Saturday at the USA, leaving little time to celebrate.