Paul Schmidt Athletic Trainer | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Paul Schmidt Athletic Trainer | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois secured a place in the Big Ten Tournament championship game with a 98-87 victory over Nebraska, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the second half. The game, held in Minneapolis, saw Terrence Shannon Jr. deliver a record-breaking performance with 40 points, setting a new Big Ten Tournament record for most points scored by an individual player.
Shannon's contribution was crucial as he scored 22 of his total points in the second half and went 13-for-16 from the free-throw line. His performance included five successful three-pointers and tied him for the fifth-highest single-game scoring mark in Illinois' program history.
Marcus Domask added to Illinois' efforts with 16 points and eight assists, while Quincy Guerrier contributed 13 points. Ty Rodgers led the team with 13 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, while Luke Goode added four three-pointers and finished with 12 points.
The Illini's comeback began after trailing by 11 at halftime. A strong defensive effort limited Nebraska to just over four minutes without scoring during a critical stretch of the second half. This allowed Illinois to cut down Nebraska's lead significantly before taking control of the game.
Illinois will face Wisconsin in the championship game on Sunday at Target Center in Minneapolis. This marks Illinois' first appearance in the Big Ten Tournament title game since 2021.
"Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a career-high 40 points while also totaling two rebounds, two steals, and one assist."
"Shannon's 40 points set a new Big Ten Tournament record, surpassing a record of 35 points that stood for 13 years (Northwestern's Michael Thompson vs. Minnesota on March 10, 2011)."
"Shannon's 40 points eclipsed the Illini scoring record in the Big Ten Tournament set by Kipper Nichols (31) vs. Iowa on Feb. 28, 2018."
"Shannon scored in double figures for the 37th consecutive game."
"Marcus Domask scored 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out a team-high eight assists, and made one steal."
"The Illini recorded their most points ever in a Big Ten Tournament game (98), surpassing the previous mark of 94 set in 2000 (vs. Penn State) and again in 2003 (vs. Northwestern)."
"The Illini have now won nine consecutive games against the Cornhuskers, the longest streak for either program in series history."
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