Illini Out-Duel Indiana, 70-62

By Jeff Mayfield

[January 29, 2024] 

Sometimes it seems that Big Ten basketball is the modern-day version of what battles must have looked like during the Middle Ages. In history we learned of epic sword duels and outrageous jousting that took place knocking knights off their steeds. You got the idea that they were bludgeon fests and that the only way to be victorious was to win the overall battle of attrition.

It seemed like Saturday’s Illinois-Indiana contest was just such a bludgeon fest. It didn’t appear that either team played well. Indiana was coming off a full week lay-off while Illinois was coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss at Northwestern. Both teams looked either rusty or fatigued. It is that deep wintertime of the year where teams really have to gut their way through things. I learned in my early days of coached the ugliest win is ten times better than the prettiest loss.

You can quickly glance at the stats to see how the physical contest translated. The Illini only shot 37% from the field, though the slugfest didn’t hamper IU’s 2-point field goal percentage finishing at 46%. But the Illini’s 30% percentage from distance while holding the Hoosiers to zero [0] 3-point field goals was a 21-point swing. And when you add Illinois’ 42-35 win on rebounds and making 5 more free throws [even though both teams struggled at the line], there’s your ball game!

On the one hand, we’re not a fan of all the holding, clutching, and grabbing. We’re not into how a foul on one end is not a foul on the other end. But when push comes to shove as most Big Ten games do, we prefer the whistles to be swallowed and let the men on the court decide the outcome. That’s what happened on Saturday at the State Farm Center in a game that will never be used or confused with an outstanding display of college basketball. The good guys won and that’s all that matters. And that takes Illinois’ record to 15-5, 6-3 and keeps the Illini right behind Wisconsin and Purdue as we near the halfway point in the league race.

3 Stars

#1 Is a tie between Luke Goode and Marcus Domask

Why would we have them both on the same line. Well, for several reasons. First, Luke hit 3 huge 3-pointers, outscoring IU 9-0 by himself. He’s also relentless on the boards and though he was only credited with 3, he was crashing and tipping to get us some team boards. I also toast him because the Indiana schools [ I started reading about this guy when he was a junior in high school-that he was tough minded, a leader and that he could really shoot it. The LDN encouraged his recruitment and we were surprised that the experts didn’t see what we saw-but thank you sir, may we have another?] passed on him and he just keeps getting better and better. Big Mistake! Luke finished with 11 points.

As for Domask, the kid from Waupun, WI; all he does is win. He wins the battles, the possessions, and the moments. On a day where he wasn’t necessarily at his best, he still managed to score 16 points and crash the boards for 10 rebounds along with 1 steal and 4 assists. The more we think about it-that’s a massive line!

#2 Coleman Hawkins

Played 35 tiring minutes and he did not get nearly enough help while guarding Malik Reneau. In spite of the beating he took down low, Hawkins chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. And talk about the middle ages-watch Coleman on his post defense. Oftentimes giving up height and lots of weight-he battles for position, he builds a strong base, and willfully refuses to give up ground, he spins & twists & turns, always fighting for his rightful spot. He is a gladiator, he is a battler, he is a warrior-kind of what a Fighting Illini is all about.

#3 Ty Rogers

You may say hey, Ty only made 8 points how is he one of the stars? Here’s how-8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. Any questions? We didn’t think so.

Honorable Mention Terrence Shannon, Jr.

Why put him in this group at all? You mean besides the fact that he converted something like his final 6 free throws during the last minute of play to ensure the win? Well, have you ever been involved in something that was beyond you? And you were so deeply involved that it affected everything you do? We can’t even remotely imagine all the thoughts going through Shannon’s mind right now. All the things he’s having to navigate. He seems to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. But somehow, he’s doing it. And on top of all that stress and pressure-there’s the basketball pressure of trying to help teammates win a game. And while he didn’t have one of his best games ever-he did make a slew of free throws at the end of the game that kept Illinois from suffering a humiliating home court loss. He finished with 8-of-10 from the line. Give the man his due!

Honorable Mention 2 Dain Dainja and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

Neither of these guys got much tick. However, both were ready when their numbers were called! In a game like this one every possession mattered. At the LDN-we have a next man up philosophy and we applaud great contributions off the bench-Dainja with a thunderous dunk and Dra with a critical made 3-pointer when the Illini were struggling.

So, there it is-another win, another league win that helps the Illini keep pace with Wisconsin and Purdue. Some will report that the Illini didn’t look very good. Some will say that they weren’t a top ten team on this day. But we would counter-it’s always a good day to beat Indiana. AND it’s always a great day to celebrate a victory over the hoosiers. The way these gladiator games are played today, you have to find ways to win and kudos to the Illini for finding a way. We would say that good teams win but great teams find ways to win when they’re not at their best.

And, it doesn’t get any easier going forward with lots of tough road games coming up including a tough one at Ohio State on Tuesday. Hopefully, the Illini can find their sea legs during this difficult stretch. Hopefully the depth will continue to grow and develop. Hopefully the Illini will continue to find a way to come out on top. Hopefully.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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