Illini Dominate Southern, 88-60

By Jeff Mayfield

[November 20, 2023] 

The Illinois Fighting Illini behind a relentless transition attack and the use of a multitude of fresh players, dominated the Southern University Jaguars 88-60 Sunday night in Champaign. The Illini absolutely controlled the boards, 50-17 and shot 57% from the field, and out-scored Southern 62-28 on points in the paint.

Some fans will always have questions about playing teams like these, but several of Illinois’ power 5 colleagues sustained losses to teams like this just this weekend. Any way you look at it, the Illini are now 4-1 and have one more tune-up contest versus Western Illinois Friday night at 8pm, before the schedule turns incredibly brutal.

3 Stars

#1 Terrance Shannon, Jr.

I don’t think Terrance ever gets tired of bringing home the bacon. It seems when some sit out a game or two nursing dings and injuries, Terrance just keeps motoring right along! Last night his contributions-24 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. That is now 3 straight games with over 20 points and 15 straight games [going back to last season] in double figures. He is a machine!

#2 Nico Moretti

I have him probably too high on this chart, but I love the progress he has made. We will likely need all the point guard play we can get, and he looked good to me last night. How good? How ‘bout a +20 in only 13 minutes of action! He did sustain a right leg injury and did not return in the 2nd half. Hope the youngster bounces back quick and we keep getting him time on the court.

#3 Dain Dainja

Another productive evening for the big man in the middle-12 points and 4 rebounds. We need Dain to keep bringing it. We need him to hammer the boards and to be efficient in the post to open driving lanes and good perimeter looks.

Honorable Mention

Quincy Guerrier

Just solid production from this newcomer. Last night-10 points, 6 rebounds, and two assists. We need everything he can bring this team!

Luke Goode

Seems to have found himself. Sawing him shooting 3’s all over the court 2 hours before the contest-a tireless worker. His base looks stronger, lots of lift, and his shot mechanics appear to be golden! He made 3 more 3-pointers last now and that is 3 games in a row with 3 or more. Those will be huge when the schedule ramps up!

Amani Hansberry

We like the way he just jumps right in and finds his own comfortability! Last night his 8 points and 7 rebounds are solid additions and will be even more important as the season develops. We also liked his hustle plays!

Justin Harmon

Threw in 9 points for his Illini career high. Again, all bench contributions take a huge load off the starters.

All in all the Illini are off to a decent start this season and need to get all the players healthy as the schedule gets substantially more difficult in the next 2-3 weeks!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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