Illinois Basketball: 3 Observations from Northwestern

In what some have called the biggest game of the year, Illinois erased an 18-point halftime deficit to defeat Northwestern 66-62. It was the Illini’s second ranked win in conference play.

1. Welcome Back Terrence

After missing the last two games with a concussion, Terrence Shannon Jr. announced his return in a massive way. Shannon Jr. didn’t start the game as the Illini staggered out of the gates. However, he wasted no time getting right into it after starting the second half. Shannon Jr. splashed a three on the first possession, a portend of things to come. It was a masterclass on both ends of the floor for the Illini’s leading scorer, as he matched his 26 points with great defense on Chase Audige, limiting the Wildcats secondary scorer to just 7 points on 14 attempts.

Simply put, when he plays like this, Illinois is extremely hard to beat. He is a guy who can turn a game on offense with his driving and shooting, and defense with his physicality and anticipation. These are the games he came to Illinois for, and the games I am glad he did.

2. Five Out Fever

Northwestern is a very solid defensive team. They play hard and connected and are very tough to score on without movement. Their cohesion on that end makes them very good at doubling in the post, as Dain Dainja found out tonight. The Illini’s third leading scorer showed some of his youth, struggling with the Wildcats traps when he posted up. With Dainja unable to impact the game, Underwood went back to the five out lineup for almost the entire second half, with Coleman Hawkins at center.

The five out certainly has some warts, and there’s a reason why it is no longer Illinois’ Plan A. However, as a Plan B it certainly can still bring some punch. Hawkins lifted the Northwestern bigs out of the paint, allowing the driving lanes for Shannon and Matthew Mayer, who combined for 19 free throws. On the other end, Hawkins was much more able to affect Boo Buie and got the game winning stop.

Hawkins is certainly an enigma and shows off just about everything he has both good and bad just about every game. However, he just is an irreplaceable part of this team, and gives them so many ways to win a game.

3. Boo Buie Blues

Until the Illini got into gear in the second half, it looked like the story of the game was going to be Boo Buie. Illinois once again gave up a career-high for a player, with Buie scoring 35 points. It was a familiar song and dance, as just about every Illini stopper got a chance on the senior but it didn’t matter. The 30% three point shooter splashed 4-6 threes in the first half, and when the Illini got up to play the shot, he got into the lane and scored or drew the foul.

Despite his nuclear first half, it was Sencire Harris who stepped up and stopped the bleeding. Harris hounded Buie into zero field goals in the last 12 minutes of the game, and without Buie the Northwestern offense collapsed. Harris has shown he can really flip a game with his on ball pressure, and if the Illini continue to struggle against opposing scorers, they will need him to do just that in March.

By now any Illini fan has to just know that every game will bring a rollercoaster of emotions. This team is by no means perfect, but they have found a toughness and togetherness that will give them a chance against anyone with their talent. Just keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times, and don’t forget to scream when it gets good.