Illinois’ Comeback of the Ages Nips Northwestern, 66-62

By Jeff Mayfield

[April 04, 2023] 

Illinois, by the way-Chicago’s real Big Ten team, made one of the most amazing comebacks in program history after trailing Northwestern by 18 at halftime on their way to a mind-boggling 66-62 electrifying victory over the Wildcats. In fact, being down 37-19 at the break mostly because of 10 costly turnovers, was actually the Illini’s lowest scoring first half of the season.

The Illini were 0-11 from 3-point range in the first half while Northwestern was 6-for their first-7. However, the Illini did shoot 7 for 13 from distance in the 2nd stanza. Illinois is now 5-3 this season versus ranked opponents and 16-9 in their last 25 against those vaunted adversaries.

3 Stars

1-Terrance Shannon, Jr.

Totally took this game over in the 2nd half. TSJ says hello to Chicago’s hoops fans that got all excited about Boo Buie who had a spectacular night himself with 35 points. But Shannon was the one who was unstoppable the last 9 minutes of this one! Check out this stat line-24 of his 26 points were scored in the 2nd half including going 7 for 8 from the field and nailing all four 3-pointers he attempted-can you say domination?

2-Sencire Harris

Was given the defensive assignment to try to guard Boo Buie-since none of the rest of his teammates seemed up to the task. One of my stats spotters informed us media mopes that once Buie connected for his 35th point, Harris held him to 0 buckets, count them 0 buckets (he did make 3 of 4 free throws), in the last 13 minutes of the game. Our spotter lobbied for SH to be the number one star of the game-AND we considered it-but he was smothering and the defensive stopper of the night! He also made 6 points, a flashy Sports Center dunk, and he converted the game-tying lay-up.

3-Matthew Mayer

Hit some big shots at key junctures in the game including 6 free throws being fouled on two 3-pointers. He finished the night with 14 points and 8 gigantic rebounds! And he may be as close to a leader as this team has got.

Honorable mention

Ty Rodgers

Talk about a couple of freshmen coming up big? Besides Harris-look at what Rodgers contributed- 6 points and 8 rebounds, loose ball recoveries, and critical stops when needed, all helped the collective comeback effort!

Coleman Hawkins

When Hawkins blocked Boo Bouie’s final shot with 2 seconds left-it was an historic block. It was the Illini’s 162nd block of the year tying the record set by the 78-79 team. [By the way, I was a senior that season at near=-by Lincoln Christian College on a team that had the 2nd best record in school history at 20-7. I had 3 blocks on the season as I hated going in the paint for any reason! But I digress-At 5.8 blocks per game the Illini lead the Big Ten and are 3rd in the nation overall in this category! CH had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and the game-winning block!

R. J. Melendez

Tallied 5 points and 6 rebounds but looks more like his old self the last two outings.

With that incredible comeback win the Illini’s record climbs to 19-9, 10-7 Big Ten. Illinois will face Ohio State Sunday in Columbus, OH.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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