Illini Buck the Buckeyes, 69-60!

By Jeff Mayfield

[January 25, 2023] 

Now that’s more like it.

Last Thursday the Illini gave a sub-par performance in an 80-65 loss to IU. This writer is not going to report what some folks wanted the narrative to be-that Illinois was playing their 6th game in 16 days. I just can’t do it. The home office has never seemingly given Illinois many favorable schedules-so I expect it going in. Also, from my coaching and playing days-I don’t want any excuses. Last week was a weak performance no matter which angle it was watched from.

Tonight, (Tuesday, January 24, 2022) was a different story.

The Illini brought life, fire, and energy. Their defensive intensity fed the creativity on offense. The Illini used a 16-1 advantage in fast break points, a 44-30 advantage on the boards, and 6 blocks & 4 steals to capture defensive supremacy enroute to a 69=60 win. The Illini converted 16-of-18 free throws. It was Illinois’ first win over Ohio State at home since 2017.

3 Stars

#1 Star
Terrance Shannon, Jr.

TSJ dominated the first half and set the tone for a resurgent Illini quintet. Shannon finished the night with 17 points [including 9-for-9 from the free throw line], 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. The energy that he brought and the relentless way he ran the court and took the ball to the hoop led the team’s enthusiastic and energetic effort.

#2 Star
Jayden Epps

The freshman logged his first Big Ten start and made 14 points with 2 big 3-pointers! He has been outstanding this season and his upside is huge! His court vision, his ability to convert pressure shots, and his overall hustle shows his maturity is beyond his years. What’s not to like about him?

#3 Star
Ty Rodgers

I know some fans want Coleman Hawkins in one of these 3 spots or maybe even Matthew Mayer, but I want to send a message to both of them and one to Rodgers as well. To CH and MM=we need more out of both of you. We expect more and a high level of consistency is the next plateau we’d like to see these guys reach. To TR=we love the energy this guy brings. He’s only going to get better over time. He’s a battler. He gets in there and mixes it up. He does all the dirty work and finds ways to keep plays alive. He’s a glue guy. I couldn’t possibly write enough accolades for his contributions. He pitched in 4 points and a career-high 8 rebounds. But his fire, defensive intensity, and hustle plays made a huge impact on this contest’s outcome.

Honorable Mention
Coleman Hawkins & Matthew Mayer

Hawkins brought 11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks.

Mayer pitched in 12 points along with 2 clutch 3-pointers, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.

The victory over the Buckeyes makes Illinois’ record 14-6 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten. The Illini will hit the road to take on Wisconsin Saturday at 2 p.m.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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