Illini Outlast Nebraska in Overtime, 87-84

By Jeff Mayfield

[February 05, 2024] 

Way back in 1973 the rock group Bachman Turner Overdrive had a hit song called, Taking Care of Business [AND working overtime]. And that’s exactly what your Illinois Fighting Illini did Sunday night in the State Farm Center. They took care of business outlasting the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 87-84 in overtime. Some will moan that the Illini blew a 10-point lead with less than 4 minutes to play. Some will gripe that Illinois missed too many bunnies. Others will complain that the Illini missed too many free throws. As for me and my house-we’re tickled pink to come away with another victory. I’ve written it several times before-you have to win at home-it is a must!

The Illini outscored the Huskers 40-26 in the paint. Illinois out rebounded the Huskers 50-33! And 17 of those boards were of the offensive variety leading to 12 big points-in many ways the ball game. But the Illini got contributions around the horn last night and they needed every one of them.

3 Stars & 1 Big Assist

*We have to give our LDN assist of the game to Melinda Mayfield. I have been blessed to be married to this lovely woman-the love of my life-for 40 plus years. As I walk out the door on game days she usually says-have fun. Tonight, she said, and I’m quoting her exactly=Have fun! [which she always says, but then added-] Bring home a win! [what?-she’s never said that before] as she signed off-Love you! Always appreciate the love. BUT, we did what she said-and we brought home the win! So, there you go love! Never let it be said that I’m not a husband who doesn’t listen to my wife and her directives! You get the assist of the game and it was the difference maker! Nice going! Love you too!

#1 Ty Rodgers

I could have just as easily given the top spot to Coleman. But these guys are so united and locked in-they really only care about one stat-and that is the W! No one epitomizes that more than Ty. He literally does everything. He might be handing out Gatorade, washing windows, and serving the folks in the club boxes when he’s not on the court for all we know. Check out this line: 8 points, 14 rebounds [almost half of Nebraska’s total by himself], 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. He is a total gamer!

#2 Coleman Hawkins

Hawkins continues to silence the doubters and haters. What do I mean? Well, he scored 20 points on a night we would need every one including four 3-pointers in a game where the 3-point shots weren’t kind [27%?] to the Illini. Oh yeah, he also had 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Those of you who don’t want to play him-he can play for me any time, any place, anywhere!

#3 Marcus Domask

I still want to know who is responsible for reaching out to him and how our connection was made because this guy is a killer- a silent assassin! He came thru with 19 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and a blocked shot. But it’s his maturity, his poise, and his composure that win you over during the championship moments! We’re so glad that he is an Illini!

Honorable Mention

Terrence Shannon, Jr.

TSJ is still not quite right. He’s off just a bit. His conditioning is almost back. And his defense helps us in so many ways. He tallied 18 points, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds. I wish that on the nights I was off [which happened more times than I probably remember]-that I could still muster 18 points. Those points we wouldn’t have had during one 6-game span earlier this season and tonight we needed every one!

Quincy Guerrier

12 points [good to see him back in double figures], and 7 quality rebounds. You may say we select too many award winners. We say-this is a team sport-and every stat helps get the job done!

Dain Dainja

This guy seems to be ready every time they call on him. Dainja chipped in 6 points and 3 big rebounds in only 9 minutes of action. I wish I was that productive every day!

Justin Harmon

Harmon had an interesting line of 4 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds. By the way, all 4 of his points came at the free throw when we had to make charity tosses to win the game. Pretty clutch if you ask us.

Luke Goode

Another wacky line. No points but 8 huge rebounds in a game where we needed those to have extra possessions to pull out a tight ball game. His extra effort, mental toughness, and physical blocking out on the boards helped us secure the victory.

The Crowd

Sometimes we’re a little rough and hard on our crowd. But there hasn’t been much not to like about them the last few games. Last night they willed the Illini to victory in more ways than one. I wish we could take them with us the rest of the way!

So, yes, I guess you could say the Illini were fortunate to hang on for the victory. But in reality, when you’re taking care of business nobody will likely remember in a week or two whether you won by 3 or 10. They will remember that you worked overtime, kept pace with the league leaders and find yourself in 2nd place in the league. In fact, the Illini are now 17-5 and 8-3. Still a plethora of hard games left-9 exactly with 5 of those on the road.

Illinois finds itself 2 games behind first place Purdue so it’s probably a bit of a longshot to catch them, but IF the Illini do-they will look back to Sunday night Feb. 4th-the night they worked overtime to take care of business!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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