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Bob's buzzer beaters | 'I'm proud of our guys'

bob asmussen, the news-gazette, champaign-urbana, ill.
·4 min read

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So much for Illinois not being able to win at Maryland. Thanks to stellar performances by Marcus Domask, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins, the Illini ended more than a decade of frustration at the House of Turtle.

They beat Kevin Willard's team 85-80 on Saturday evening in the soldout Xfinity Center. And avenged a home loss to the Terrapins earlier this season.

Shannon, who missed the January game because of a school suspension, scored 27. Domask scored 19 and Hawkins had 14.

"Nothing's easy," Brad Underwood said on postgame radio. "I'm proud of our guys."

It was Underwood's first win in College Park.

"It's off to Penn State," he said.

HOT OFF THE PRESS#Illini at home on the road pic.twitter.com/HlkWi5Qrd3

— The News-Gazette (@news_gazette) February 18, 2024

1

Going into Saturday's home game against Indiana State, Southern Illinois was 16-10 overall and tied for fourth in the Missouri Valley. How much better would the Salukis be with Domask back on the roster? One of the best one-year transfers in Illinois program history. Domask had a team-high 13 points at intermission. A difference-maker who is so much more than a scorer.

2

A busy week in The Associated Press Top 25 means Illinois is going to be on the move from No. 14. Should be up a handful of spots. My guess is Illinois coach Brad Underwood isn't worried about it.

A Terps tradition ... when there are enough fans to pull it off. #B1G pic.twitter.com/Yo1Zf80EbM

— Scott Richey (@srrichey) February 18, 2024

3

Illinois won't complain if it avoids Maryland star Jahmir Young the rest of the season. After scoring 28 points with eight assists in Maryland's 76-67 win Jan. 14 in Champaign-Urbana, Young was at it again Saturday. He had a game-high 15 points with four assists at the break. He finished with 28 and six.

Maryland has been putting this up on the big screen asking for sportsmanship during Shannon's free throws https://t.co/UxaSrPhUp0 pic.twitter.com/iCnkVUtETb

— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) February 18, 2024

4

Twice in the final minute of the first half, Shannon stepped to the free throw line. Fans used familiar, derogatory chants in obvious reference to the rape charge he faces in Kansas. As has been the case since Shannon's return from suspension, the announcers didn't comment on the crowd reaction.

Definitely more people here than for the Maryland-Iowa game earlier this week. Like a lot more. #Illini #B1G pic.twitter.com/IJWvcyrnd5

— Scott Richey (@srrichey) February 17, 2024

5

Always good to hear Jason Benetti on the call for Fox. He is one of top sports announcers working at any network today. Sorry he is leaving as the Chicago White Sox TV voice to work for AL Central rival Detroit.

Maryland student apparently has a message for Coleman Hawkins pic.twitter.com/LcZ1HgPKKY

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) February 17, 2024

6

Is Illinois paying part of Robbie Hummel's salary? He seems to work a lot of Illinois games. He is a talent, working his way toward the top of a competitve business.

TOUGH bucket from Domask @marcusdomask x @IlliniMBB pic.twitter.com/C98kwUmVZF

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 17, 2024

7

To me, you always want the team you play next coming off a victory. Feeling a little bit full of themselves.

That will not be the case Wednesday at State College, Pa., when Penn State hosts Illinois. The Nittany Lions got drilled Saturday at Nebraska and have lost three in a row. Their backs are against the wall if they hope to play in the postseason.

Terrance Shannon on the RUN to the bucket! @IlliniMBB pic.twitter.com/vtZcmVjeZ1

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 18, 2024

8

Adding to the task for Illinois is the venue. Instead of playing at cavernous Bryce Jordan Center, the game is being played at Penn State's former home Rec Hall. That is also where the Nittany Lions play volleyball, so Chris Tamas might be a help if Underwood needs some pointers

It is a quaint, tight arena (holds under 7.000) that figures to be really loud for a midweek game.

Pregame action picking up in College Park. Tip at 5:37 p.m. local time. #Illini #B1G pic.twitter.com/8Y7GNFWmhu

— Scott Richey (@srrichey) February 17, 2024

9

Thanks to Fox for spending a few minutes during the pregame show paying tribute to Maryland legend Lefty Driesell, who passed away Saturday at age 92. I never had the chance to talk to him one-on-one, but I hear great things about his personality. And the guy could flat-out coach, earning a spot in the Naismith Hall of Fame.

10

If you tuned in early for the game on Fox, you are likely convinced that the defending national champions are for real. No. 1-ranked UConn throttled No. 4 Marquette 81-53. Purdue is a terrific team with a fantastic resume, but it is wrong that the Huskies aren't the top seed in the list of top 16 released by the NCAA tournament selection committee.