Opening night delivered an early shake-up: No. 3 Illinois set a program 3-point record in a 120-45 rout, while Memphis stunned No. 18 Iowa State, 80-76. No. 1 Florida also opened with a convincing win, but North Carolina needed a late escape to avoid an upset by Western Carolina.

By the Numbers
  • Illinois beat FDU by 75 points, its largest margin of victory at State Farm Center.
  • Illinois made a program-record 19 3-pointers and scored 120 points.
  • Memphis beat Iowa State 80-76; Jayden Reid scored 26 points.
  • North Carolina beat Western Carolina 80-72.
  • Dior Johnson scored 41 points as UCF edged FGCU 96-95 in overtime.
Yes, But

Illinois’ blowout came without All-American David Mirkovic, who is out indefinitely while recovering from foot surgery and an appendectomy. Iowa State’s loss came with defensive standout Killyan Toure injured, but a rusty Tamin Lipsey and a scoreless Jamarion Batemon also exposed concerns. North Carolina won, yet its second-half collapse against Western Carolina raised questions about the team’s readiness.

State of Play
  • Illinois’ new, up-tempo offense made an immediate statement.
  • Memphis earned an early marquee win; Iowa State has work to do to match its preseason expectations.
  • Florida’s Thomas Haugh showed his all-around value with 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
  • High Point and Murray State also impressed, with pressure defense driving their opening-night wins.
Bottom Line

One night is no verdict, but it was an emphatic reminder that preseason rankings don’t settle anything: Illinois looks explosive, Memphis has upset potential, and several favored teams already have questions to answer.