Illini Crush Michigan, 97-68
Three Stars

By Jeff Mayfield

[February 13, 2024] 

The No. 14 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini crushed the Michigan Wolverines 97-68 Tuesday night in the State Farm Center. The Illini keep doing what needs to be done by shooting the ball well after a lost opportunity Saturday versus Michigan State. Illinois shot well for the game at 56% and also hit for an impressive 48% from 3-point distance.

Illinois out-rebounded Michigan 38-29, and outscored them 22-8 in fast break points, and the Illini bench outscored the Wolverine bench, 20-15.

Three Stars

#1 Terrence Shannon, Jr.

That was easy. TSJ finished the night with 31 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Shannon was 5-for-8 from distance and at one point was 5-for-5! He appears to be getting his legs and his conditioning back. His downhill attacks of the basket are as good as anyone in the country! IF he can stay at this level to the end, he could potentially be the player that takes this team on a fun post-season ride.

#2 Coleman Hawkins

CH continued his stellar season by going for 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. His defense in the paint, his help in team defense mode, and the way he is battling on the boards keeping balls alive that he doesn’t bring down-brings infectious energy to the Illini. If Coleman stays within himself and brings his specialties to the table, maybe we could make it through the first weekend! That’s our hope anyway.

#3 Marcus Domask and Quincy Guerrier

We’d be just splitting hairs IF we tried to choose between MD and QG in this one. Domask tallied 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. The people sitting near us, many seeing the Illini last night for the first time this season kept remarking how smart Marcus is. It is nice to have his maturity and experience in our lineup-he might be the difference maker. QG had been struggling a bit the last few games so it was nice to see him have a nice all-around game. Quincy chipped in with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Oh yah, he was also perfect from the field!

Honorable Mention Justin Harmon and Dain Dainja

Harmon contributed nicely off the bench with 8 points and 3 rebounds. Every player that brings similar stats especially off the bench just helps this team win. Dainja continues to be ready at the drop of a hat. He added to the mix last night with 4 points and 6 rebounds in limited minutes. I love his production and love the way our home crowd supports him every time out!

What it all means

This victory now takes the Illini record to 18-6, 9-4 and leaves Illinois alone in 2nd place in the Big Ten standings. The team will now face the dog days of February as their next two contests are grueling road tilts first on Saturday at Maryland followed by a trip to Penn State on Wednesday. I know we should stay focused on one game at a time-so our only concern should be the Terps. But it would really be nice if the Illini could find a way to get both of them! Go Illini!

Shout-outs

Shout-out to former central Illinois resident Jim Whitney who joined us from Joplin, MO! We were hoping to have his brother Jeff with us as well but some of us have to work while everybody else plays!

To the junior high squads at WL-B and CEL for outstanding hoops campaigns! Also, to the Mahomet squad who made it to state and is coached by former National Player of the Year & former LCU Coach, Matt Clark! [some seasons still in progress…]

To Lincoln Pom, Dance, & Cheer squads for bringing home the hardware too!

I believe that Lincoln wrestling also brought home a regional title!

And what can you say about the Lincoln Lady Railers hoops squad that hasn’t already been said? What they have accomplished is like something we’ve never seen. AND nobody wants it to ever end! We just always tell people that Lincoln is the city of champions!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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