Illini Offensive Explosion Betters Hot Shooting Gophers, 105-97

By Jeff Mayfield

[February 29, 2024] 

Who would have expected an offensive night of fireworks on one of the last cold nights of February? Who could have predicted that Illinois’ 10 made 3-pointers would be less than Minnesota’s 14; but that it would still result in the Illini winning by 8 points? Who would have ever thought that two teams in the dog days of the league race would combine to shoot over 60% from the field?

But all these things did happen on Wednesday night at a sold-out State Farm Center, and the LDN was there to bring you these glad tidings. On a night that Illinois brought there 2nd best offensive efficiency production in the history of the Kenpom era, they would almost need every single point to withstand the fact that the Gophers brought their best ever offensive efficiency rating to the contest! And not only did the Illini withstand it, they staved off the Gophers’ shooting over 60% from the field while also allowing over 70% shooting from 3-point range [If you even want to use the term “allow”-Minnesota seemed to be unconscious on their perimeter shooting]. In fact, according to the stats guys- Illinois is the only power-conference team to win a game in which their opponent shot 60% FG/70% 3PT since at least 2010-11.

So, how did the Illini manage it all? We’re glad you asked. And if you’re going to face a team that is playing their best basketball of the season and having one of their best game’s ever, it’s exciting to note that Illinois’ offensive explosion was even better; leading to a rousing 105-97 victory! For starters the Illini out rebounded Minnesota 31-23 and 12-7 on the offensive glass which is weird when you think about how good and efficient the Gopher bigs were. The Illinois bench out-scored the Gophers 20-3! And for those that keep questioning Illinois’ lack of a point guard-the Illini only had 4 turnovers in this game-the lowest in league play since Jan. 17, 2017 at Purdue! What a night…you shoulda seen it!

3 Stars

#1 Terrence Shannon, Jr.
29 points, 4-8 on 3 pointers, 6 rebounds, and 7-9 on free throws.

We’re not sure we’ve seen a team that has an answer for TSJ. Throw in his suffocating on-the-ball defense and you’ve got one of the most exciting ‘complete’ ball players that this arena has ever showcased! We don’t think we’d be in such an advantageous position without him.

#2 Marcus Domask
22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists

Honored before the game for scoring over 2000 points in his collegiate career-that’s incredible when you think about it. He continues to do everything this team needs to space the floor, hit open shooters on the arc, create driving lanes for his teammates, provides big scoring nights, and then nails the free throw opportunities that come his way. Scintillating!

#3 Coleman Hawkins
20 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists

It’s hard to see Coleman sitting at our #3 position when you consider his electrifying start [we think he scored Illinois’ first 8 points] and just the way he’s attacked things this year, especially the last couple of games. Give the man his due!

Honorable Mention Dain Dainja
11 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block

Dain continues to produce and more when he is called on. For those who clamor for more DD playing time. Last night with Minnesota bigs creating havoc turned out to be the perfect time to give Dain the ball and let him eat. He responded in exactly the way we have come to expect. Love his hustle plays, his post moves, and his improved free throw percentage.

Honorable Mention Quincy Guerrier
10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist

This guy has become an automatic double digit scorer-talk about a great transfer portal find. When our support players bring so much to the table it makes our team a scouting nightmare. Pick your poison.

With the win the Illini now stand at 21-7 overall and 12-5 in the league standings. As the schedule turns into the home stretch, Illinois has a very tall order. The last 3 games feature a road trip to Wisconsin, a home date with Purdue, and a regular season finale at Iowa [who draws up such nightmares?]. We’re not saying that good things can’t be done but IF they happen it will be because the Illini continued to climb the mountain. We still think grabbing a piece of the league title is a bit out of reach, but it would continue the good feeling and vibes that we’ve all had over most of this campaign. What we really want to see is how the Illini position themselves for post-season play and continue to stay injury-free. That sounds too pedestrian after witnessing one of the greatest offensive explosions in the history of the Assembly Hall. We just hope the Illini stay red-hot through April 8th-if you know what we mean!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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