Texas Tech's Jamichael Stillwell Has Double-Double Debut vs. No. 3 Illinois

LUBBOCK -- No. 16 Texas Tech pulled off a marquee upset over No. 3 Illinois 84-78 inside United Supermarkets Arena that was packed with an electric crowd on a Tuesday night.

The Red Raiders got contributions all throughout the lineup and proved that they have the depth to stack up with the best teams in the nation.

However, the result might have gone the other way if not for one particular piece for Texas Tech that  with the team.

Following a win in the courtroom the week prior, All-Big 12 transfer forward Jamichael Stillwell found himself able to suit up for the Red Raiders for the first time against the Fighting Illini.

While he did not get the start, Stillwell eventually made his way onto the court early in the first half and made an immediate impact for the hometown team in Lubbock.

In 26 minutes of action, he went for 11 points and 13 rebounds for a debut double-double that showcased the force that he is as both a scorer and on defense.

READ MORE: No. 16 Texas Tech Stuns No. 3 Illinois 84-78

Although his point total was far from the highest from Texas Tech, which went to Cruz Davis after a 20-point gem, Stillwell outscored two starters and finished fourth overall.

His point total might have been lower than expected, but that is a testament to Illinois and its defense, as they made it difficult for any inside presence to establish themselves for the Red Raiders.

For Stillwell, in particular, that included a less-than-ideal 2-of-10 shooting performance from the field.

Regardless of how he got to it, Stillwell still broke into double figures on arguably one of his worst outings from the field and that should give Texas Tech and its fans much to look forward to from the presumptive star.

What he lacked at the hoop on offensive for the Red Raiders, Stillwell more than made up at the rim.

His 13 rebounds topped the stat sheet for Texas Tech and it was not even relatively close.

Texas Tech tallied 43 rebounds as an entire team and the next highest individual rebounder was Darrion Williams, who pulled down five boards.

Of his 13 rebounds, six of them were on the offensive glass, as Stillwell was pivotal in providing extra opportunities to his teammates.

READ MORE: CFP Ranks Texas Tech at 12, OSU at 25 Ahead of Massive Big 12 Showdown

Beyond the Red Raiders, no one from Illinois was able to break through to double figures on rebounding with Tomislav Ivisic leading the Illini at six.

In a matchup that was ultimately decided by a handful of possessions, Stillwell's prowess on the glass and a metered yet effective night scoring proved to be the difference in Texas Tech coming out on top in the borderline top-15 clash.

Texas Tech improved to 3-0 with the win and hosts Stonehill College on Saturday at noon followed by New Orleans next Wednesday to wrap up a lengthy opening homestand.

The Red Raiders will then travel to Las Vegas for the Players Era Sixteen Tournament, where they will experience their next dose of high-level competition.

If their time at the tournament is going to last long, expect Stillwell to be one of the main reasons why after a brilliant debut against one of the best teams Texas Tech will face all season.