LIVE FROM OMAHA: Illinois 85, Morehead State 69, FINAL
Mar. 21—Sign up for our daily basketball newsletter here
OMAHA, Neb. — Brad Underwood wanted a better defensive effort in the second half from his Illinois men's basketball team.
He got it.
And a can't-miss performance from Dain Dainja as well. Along with record-setting efforts from Marcus Domask and Terrence Shannon Jr.
It all added up to a convincing 85-69 win by the third-seeded Illini against 14th-seeded Morehead State in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday afternoon at CHI Health Center.
Dainja scored 21 points off the bench and made all nine of his shots from the field, Shannon became the new single-season scoring record-holder at Illinois and Domask recorded the first triple-double in NCAA tournament history for Illinois.
Shannon dropped a team-high 26 points, with 19 coming in the first half, as Illinois (27-8) used a dominant second half to earn its fifth consecutive win and first NCAA tournament win since 2022.
Domask struggled offensively in the first half, only scoring two points, but finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, becoming only the fifth player in Illini history to have a triple-double and only the 10th player in NCAA tournament with a triple-double.
Illinois now awaits 11th-seeded Duquesne (25-11) on Saturday in a second-round game at a time to be determined, trying to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA tournament since 2005.
***
Illinois is minutes away from advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament and Terrence Shannon Jr. is now the all-time single-season scoring leader at Illinois.
Shannon's three-pointer with 6:09 left in the second half gave him 26 points in the game and 669 for the season, surpassing the 668 points Don Freeman scored at Illinois during the 1965-66 season.
Marcus Domask is only one point away, too, from a triple-double. He is up to nine points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Illinois has had five players in its history achieve a triple-double (Ayo Dosunmu twice, Coleman Hawkins, Sergio McClain and Mark Smith) but none have achieved that in an NCAA tournament game.
***
Illinois has outscored Morehead State 34-16 in the second half, with three Illini in double figures and Brad Underwood's program mere minutes away from its first NCAA tournament win since 2022 and a date in the second round with 11th-seeded Duquesne on Saturday.
Terrence Shannon Jr. has a game-high 23 points, but only four in the second half. The second half has belonged to Dain Dainja, with Dainja having 21 points on 9 of 9 shooting to go along with eight rebounds.
Coleman Hawkins (10 points, five assists, four rebounds), Luke Goode (nine points) and Marcus Domask (six points, 10 assists, nine rebounds) are also spear-heading the second-half charge by Illinois.
***
Dain Dainja is up to 21 points and the Illini are in the midst of a 20-6 run during the past seven minutes.
Two free throws from — who else? — Dainja gave Illinois its first double-digit lead of the game at 59-48 with 11:58 left in the second half. Dainja is 9 of 9 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free throw line.
Add another three-pointer from Luke Goode, his third of the game, and the Illini are finally able to hold a comfortable lead after a close first half and trailing Morehead State at the first media timeout of the second half.
***
It's the Dain Dainja show. Again.
Less than a week after his breakout performance against Ohio State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament allowed Illinois to escape with a 77-74 win against the Buckeyes last Friday night, the 6-foot-9, 255-pound forward is at it again for the Illini on Thursday afternoon.
Illinois holds a nine-point lead against Morehead State thanks to the efforts of Terrence Shannon Jr. (21 points) and the Illini bench, namely Dainja.
Luke Goode increased the Illini's lead to 53-48 with his second three-pointer of the game, keeping up the steady production that Dainja has provided.
Dainja has scored 17 points and has made all eight of his shots. He grabbed an offensive rebound and then slammed home a two-handed dunk to give Illinois a 48-45 lead with 14:47, but Morehead State answered — again — with a three-pointer by Kalil Thomas to tie the game at 48.
Who answered, though, for the Illini? Dainja. He took another pass from Marcus Domask and drove to the basket for a left-handed layup to put the Illini up 50-48 with 14:00 left and spark a 9-0 run to give Illinois its biggest lead of the game.
***
Morehead State has relied on its leading scorer, Riley Minix, to take a slim one-point lead into the first media timeout of the second half. Minix is up to 17 points, scoring five of the Eagles' seven points after halftime.
Terrence Shannon Jr. is up to 21 points for the Illini, but their second-leading scorer, Marcus Domask, has struggled offensively. He only has two points to go along with six assists, four rebounds and two turnovers.
The one-point halftime lead Illinois had turned into a one-point deficit quickly after Morehead State's first offensive possession of the second half.
Following a miss by Ty Rodgers, the Eagles took a 40-39 lead with 19:26 left on an alley-oop dunk by Dieonte Miles. A basket by Shannon put Illinois up 41-40, but Morehead State has held onto the lead since.
***
No one said it would be easy.
Morehead State has made sure of that, with the 14th-seeded Eagles leading for the majority of the first half before Illinnois led for the final six minutes.
Terrence Shannon Jr. and the play of the Illinois bench is why the Illini go into halftime with a one-point lead. Shannon leads all scorers with 19 points, while Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn has six points, Dain Dainja has four points and Luke Goode has three points off the bench.
Illinois and Morehead State are shooting an identical 48 percent from the field, making 15 of 31. The Illini are 6 of 15 from three-point range, with the Eagles 6 of 13 from beyond the arc.
"They're doing a good job of doubling Marcus," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said in a TV interview before going into the locker room. "We're getting good looks. I feel great about the shots we're getting. It's not that end of the court that's the problem. We've got to keep fighting."
Marcus Domask only has two points for the Illini, but has six assists and four rebounds.
Riley Minix and Jordan Lathon both lead Morehead State with 12 points apiece.
***
Marcus Domask missed his first four shots but scored his first NCAA tournament points for Illinois on one of his crafty moves around the basket to put Illinois ahead 36-31 with 3:36 left in the first half.
***
Terrence Shannon Jr. might score 50 points today. The Illini guard already has 19 first-half points and has helped Illinois gain its first lead, with freshman guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn providing a spark, too, during this most recent stretch.
Gibbs-Lawhorn made his first NCAA tournament shot — a three-pointer — to put the Illini up 32-29 with 5:19 remaining in the first half.
It took more than 14 minutes, but Illinois grabbed its first lead of the game on a layup by Shannon, who drove through the lane and was fouled by Riley Minix. He made the three throw to up his point total to 17 and put Illinois ahead 29-27 with 5:48 left in the first half.
The Illinois bench has 10 points, with Dain Dainja (four points), Luke Goode (three points) and Gibbs-Lawhorn (three points) a perfect 4 of 4 from the field.
Morehead State's two leading scorers, Minix and Jordan Lathon, both have 12 points, but they also have two fouls.
***
Illinois is still vying for its first lead of the game, with Morehead State seemingly having its way on offense. Jordan Lathon (12 points) and Riley Minix (10 points) are leading the Eagles. Morehead State is shooting 50 percent from the field, including 5 of 9 from three-point range.
A steal and fast-break two-handed dunk by Terrence Shannon Jr. cut the Illini's deficit to 19-18 with 10:34 left in the first half, but the Eagles responded on their next possession with a three-pointer from Lathon to push its lead to 22-18.
But Shannon, who averaged 34.0 points at the Big Ten tournament last weekend, is up to 14 points after making his second three-pointer of the game.
***
Luke Goode made his first shot of the NCAA tournament, draining a three-pointer. But the Eagles still hold a slim lead on the Illini at the under-12 media timeout.
"A little effort would be good," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said during an in-game TV interview about what he'd like to see more of in trying to slow down Morehead State.
***
Not the start Illinois wanted, with Morehead State making its first three three-pointers to take a 9-0 lead before Terrence Shannon Jr. sank a three-pointer to give the Illini their first points of the NCAA tournament.
Illinois, however, responded with a 9-2 run, with Shannon having seven of those points. He leads all scorers with nine points at the first media timeout.
Much like he did during the Illini's win against Ohio State in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinal, Dain Dainja has provided a lift off the bench with four points and has made both of his shots.
Morehead State is shooting 58 percent at the first media timeout, with Jordan Lathon having a team-high seven points.
***
Illinois and Morehead State are set to tip at 2:34 p.m. from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb., after 11th-seeded Duquesne beat sixth-seeded BYU 71-67 in a first-round game earlier today at the venue.
Close
Sign on the front of the hotel doors as they leave the homeland head to their the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
139f70b8-395b-523e-b12e-c683dcd16771
editorial
true
images
Save
Gathered fans applaud Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) as the team leaves the homeland head to their the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
c54cecd9-6d24-574f-ad32-c5131506c16c
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) slaps hands with fans as they leave the hotel and head to their the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
c5210ea8-1936-5c34-b679-264b8df19005
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) slaps hands with gathered fans as they leave the hotel and head to the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
72b39ae6-4710-56db-993b-da7864d52f3e
editorial
true
images
Save
The escort for the Illini's bus as they leave the hotel and head to their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
95f5b8c0-0304-533a-b4a5-58edb0d9510b
editorial
true
images
Save
The bus leaves the hotel and heads to Illinois first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
3ed88334-66d6-588b-9be1-51014f6813e6
editorial
true
images
Save
Signs outside the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
c092e575-6ae0-5ce6-8aee-b87627ee8c29
editorial
true
images
Save
An overpass to the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
4609af73-3675-5378-bf43-d9f7724e88e4
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
380f6c4d-0f63-571f-a9d5-7c713a5d569d
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood following their first round victory over Morehead State of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
bded179e-6957-5fb5-8f56-abdad846580f
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
01369c7c-d9ea-5d76-a860-7bd97cf44721
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) as the team leaves the floor after winning their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e075ec87-e8ca-55a2-b1e6-5f1aed18a57e
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander, left, and Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
5f76d61f-89b9-5c5c-b7c4-2b3015242104
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois band at their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
c833d618-48cb-5c70-97bc-de19357433be
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander, left, and Morehead State's head coach Preston Spradlin chat following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
45164510-7f2f-5520-89f3-9a5256c7e011
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) tells Illinois head coach Brad Underwood about a foul in front of the ref in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1d1c0629-2629-5bd0-98ab-ca2a0481d10e
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
9a4c63f7-9c74-5798-a34c-6712b572d0af
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Drew Thelwell (3) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a6fca0c1-312e-552f-b338-f533ae03bf17
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Drew Thelwell (3) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e3919eab-21a2-5e7a-86f3-5928ff1c7433
editorial
true
images
Save
Jana Mitchell cheers in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
b4d58737-e72a-584a-9765-219edb82d6e3
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Eddie Ricks III (4)in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
53998130-ffae-5461-b179-dd9c231c1079
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1edf210b-d00b-5f90-943d-06875752b54f
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and his son, Asst. Coach Tyler Underwood, in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
80f36637-56d6-5b92-a93f-e8799c3b1fea
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22)in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a12baa41-0606-5d5b-bfb7-d0bd544aa6de
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22)in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
bbbdc1c2-243c-5166-af28-6f56e65dc30b
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
3db9a3cd-5fce-525d-99bd-75a26713a0d8
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
9f916bfe-4a87-5792-81f7-fde83ea3d0a4
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
b97d0642-46fc-5927-be3e-8f513e8b7d43
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) dunks in their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
485542fb-cdea-5f2c-b32c-d2423d44f5a8
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) dunks again in their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
f2bdd043-fe69-53db-9ccc-c2cf74fae14e
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) reacts to his second dunk along with the bench and the fans in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0a772103-6c15-5ec3-a6d0-b7219d40f031
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) holds off Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
6d977a5e-6801-5c40-a618-c1dea7504ef8
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) stretches before their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
f14bc584-e959-5feb-bea2-acbd41a37b75
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) leads the team out for their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
98daf506-9c4f-5e22-bf11-e37bcdd2c513
editorial
true
images
Save
The TV crew at the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
773599aa-e10c-552f-87d8-e503398c4171
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) and Morehead State's forward Dieonte Miles (23) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
796061c2-a76c-5b92-9934-f2ec566f8bd1
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) and Morehead State's forward Zach Iyeyemi (5) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
2b87429c-e5ed-5831-ae1f-33aed88fa10f
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
bfa4710e-4e6b-5eb1-880a-e3bfed0ba2af
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Niccolo Moretti (11) watches as teammates are interviewed by the media following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
105bfca0-8aad-5673-9bbf-e49635d1ebd9
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Niccolo Moretti (11) and Morehead State's guard George Marshall (12) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a1ad6f95-3dd6-5b79-ae35-5998dca80a79
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) is congratulated by Asst. Coach Chester Frazier as he exits their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
4ae7b2f7-b85d-52a4-a70e-d68d00fcc4b1
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois fans in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
b6dd9aa6-b671-5643-9d0b-47fcedec55b3
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) blocks a shot by Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1f765c23-89f5-5976-b675-895857fb7d9c
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
ccd6a2eb-813b-5a0a-af2a-8b355aa25f2c
editorial
true
images
Save
their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
4c7c2e2c-47fc-5b9f-a002-5e0d04e14b52
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3), m'Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) and Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) celebrate taking the lead in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
84f38183-b704-5024-ac23-f3b5777cad95
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20) and Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) react during their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
f232fd14-9947-5e2c-b318-a3b0027a94ef
editorial
true
images
Save
Reporters interview the Illini following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e8f177b4-45db-5997-9d7d-c7ee54662f38
editorial
true
images
Save
Reporters interview the Illini following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
74451349-d206-59d9-ba98-0b85d5924d88
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Sencire Harris (1) in a corner of the locker room while everyone else is meeting the press following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
9269dd4f-f05f-591b-93dc-f40f6908a182
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e88f91d7-c48d-5491-8ba5-7ccfc1f7862f
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
9d1d0220-6fbc-5282-add4-837e0a981548
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood following their first round victory over Morehead State of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1dd7a47f-069a-5aad-9712-fcb5b9ade052
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood following their first round victory over Morehead State of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
abceb4a9-c43a-574f-be3c-75eb004bc1f3
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
82f6648e-730e-5678-8abc-05fa27f86936
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois fans object to a foul call against forward Coleman Hawkins (33) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1aee3eb9-67ea-5c0a-8e88-105555628411
editorial
true
images
Save
PHOTO GALLERY: Illini in Omaha: Day 2
The Illini opened NCAA tournament play with a 85-69 win over Morehead State in Omaha, Neb. The latest via Photo Editor Robin Scholz:
Sign on the front of the hotel doors as they leave the homeland head to their the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Gathered fans applaud Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) as the team leaves the homeland head to their the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) slaps hands with fans as they leave the hotel and head to their the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) slaps hands with gathered fans as they leave the hotel and head to the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The escort for the Illini's bus as they leave the hotel and head to their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The bus leaves the hotel and heads to Illinois first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Signs outside the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
An overpass to the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood following their first round victory over Morehead State of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) as the team leaves the floor after winning their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander, left, and Illinois head coach Brad Underwood in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois band at their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander, left, and Morehead State's head coach Preston Spradlin chat following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) tells Illinois head coach Brad Underwood about a foul in front of the ref in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Drew Thelwell (3) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Drew Thelwell (3) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Jana Mitchell cheers in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Eddie Ricks III (4)in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and his son, Asst. Coach Tyler Underwood, in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22)in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22)in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) In their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) dunks in their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) dunks again in their their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) reacts to his second dunk along with the bench and the fans in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) holds off Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) stretches before their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) leads the team out for their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The TV crew at the first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) and Morehead State's forward Dieonte Miles (23) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) and Morehead State's forward Zach Iyeyemi (5) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Niccolo Moretti (11) watches as teammates are interviewed by the media following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Niccolo Moretti (11) and Morehead State's guard George Marshall (12) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) is congratulated by Asst. Coach Chester Frazier as he exits their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois fans in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) blocks a shot by Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3), m'Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) and Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) celebrate taking the lead in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20) and Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) react during their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Reporters interview the Illini following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Reporters interview the Illini following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Sencire Harris (1) in a corner of the locker room while everyone else is meeting the press following their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) and Morehead State's guard Riley Minix (22) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood following their first round victory over Morehead State of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood following their first round victory over Morehead State of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20) in their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois fans object to a foul call against forward Coleman Hawkins (33) their first round game of the NCAA basketball tournament at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
***
The path to Illinois getting to its first Sweet 16 since 2005 obviously starts soon with its first-round game against Morehead State. If the third-seeded Illini can avoid an upset from the 14th-seeded Eagles, then another double-digit seed would await Brad Underwood's team on Saturday in a second-round game
Duquesne pulled the first upset of the NCAA tournament, with the 11th-seeded Dukes holding off sixth-seeded BYU 71-67 on Thursday afternoon at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb.
#Illini fans, if Illinois can take care of Morehead State today, it'll have 11-seed Duquesne Saturday pic.twitter.com/GUe2h2Esdn
— Zach Piatt (@zachpiatt13) March 21, 2024
Dae Dae Grant led Duquesne (25-11) with 19 points in carrying the Dukes in their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1977. Illinois and Duquense have met three times before, with the last meeting on Dec. 9, 1989 when Illinois won 112-81 in Champaign. Illinois leads the all-time series 2-1, with Duquesne earning an 85-83 win on Dec. 29, 1973 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Up next from Omaha: Illinois against Morehead State.
***
If Illinois beats Morehead State, it'll face either sixth-seeded BYU or 11th-seeded Duquesne in a second-round game on Saturday at a time to be determined.
It looked like it would be Duquesne pulling the upset on BYU, with the Dukes up 14 earlier in the second half, but Duquense only leads 62-60 with 1:28 left. We'll see what happens.
***
Illinois is roughly a half-hour from the start of its NCAA tournament run ... however far that might be. First up? Ohio Valley Conference champions Morehead State in the No. 3 vs. No. 14 game in Omaha, Neb.
The focus heading into today's game was Morehead State and Morehead State alone. Even if the Illini are searching for their first Sweet 16 appearance in nearly two decades. The specter of past first weekend NCAA tournament losses exists — perhaps hovering over the fan base more than the team — but the path to Boston has to include a win today.
Close
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) laughs as teammate Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) compares his looks to entertainer Usher during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
955dd5b2-d733-5295-802b-56217cbf165c
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood talks with a reporter in the hallway outside the locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
7a891204-a2f1-5af8-abcb-5469404e5378
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) tries to remain inconspicuous during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a3d71b38-025f-5afc-911c-06199624ac1b
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Amani Hansberry (35) during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
80dccd9d-bbad-54f8-8577-ca338cac6763
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Amani Hansberry (35) during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
971b86bf-a5a9-51f1-8ad3-812c8222d377
editorial
true
images
Save
Former Michigan basketball strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson at the Illini's practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Sanderson will assist the Illini as a sports performance consultant.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
15723f46-33fd-5cea-af6b-2a1b89eaa328
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
d9a128b7-c67f-5214-a3b6-e1249d735299
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42), right , is interviewed during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
ac3a46a6-d2ae-5d30-8d5a-ca1b6d36fc83
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20), left, pretends to interview Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3), right, as they entertain reporters during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
08d8f112-02cc-5d6f-9c50-50326e01b149
editorial
true
images
Save
Kathryn Currey plays the trombone during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
3daac5a5-103e-5b53-a411-f53e16952d23
editorial
true
images
Save
Morehead State's head coach Preston Spradlin talks during a press conference before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. There was also open locker rooms and practices for media at the CHI Health Center.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
450b1e14-39b4-525e-9e51-55a291b3c1bc
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) holds on to the microphone as he does an interview during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1a84a040-ffb3-53f8-bd98-d6c2a1bd0cf6
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) wears a tee shirt honoring Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) during open locker rooms and practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
2c29798a-a0a2-5199-a567-9bd5dbb3c1de
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) seriously reads his phone during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
520809a7-8759-5557-ba59-918d409dedb0
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Max Williams (25) practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
452cafb8-8d19-595c-af4a-78896d1347ff
editorial
true
images
Save
Former Michigan basketball strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson, left, and Illinois AD Josh Whitman chat on the bench during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
3ca61cfe-722f-5b6d-8bd6-01230bef886a
editorial
true
images
Save
There were only a few definite Illini fans watching during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
13355a75-686d-5896-bafa-63c01a384733
editorial
true
images
Save
Curtis Deetz, Fulton, IL, during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was going to meet his sister cat the game, who is an Illinois and Orange Krush alum. She was coming form Kansas City.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
7ee5b102-0476-5a7f-970d-1343b57fedaf
editorial
true
images
Save
Asst. Coach Chester Frazier at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
6ad075bf-9c6b-516e-9782-63bc268f4548
editorial
true
images
Save
The band helps by signaling a three every time Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) makes one at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
da26d88b-1c3f-5995-a9fb-abf7aee66369
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) shoots as Asst. Coach Tim Anderson watches at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
2da7d3b3-0896-5685-b07f-18f6198f44fa
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Sencire Harris (1) at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
53aad7b7-e95d-5275-8b5a-a0ecabd4c8c6
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
9167c3ce-cfdc-51b9-8ace-8ea906b20961
editorial
true
images
Save
The Illinois team managers hang out in the hall during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1655ce78-7927-5bdf-96b7-121e8f497d3b
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20) talks to the media during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
8412469b-01fa-52f5-a7e4-737e05a05d35
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Max Williams (25), left, and Illinois guard Luke Goode (10) sit under their names velcroed to the top of the lockers during open locker rooms at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
d123fe18-349b-5ee7-a015-35cf0b1636b7
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Sencire Harris (1) does an interview at open locker room as Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (22), center, and Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) wait for something to happen at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0593d907-85ae-5cbb-80c5-693a1c665aba
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) during open locker room time at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
ca50f3c2-93f0-5624-9c4c-54a8b7e563d3
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois Asst. coach Chester Frazier talks during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e2cd8103-0f27-5732-a49f-51cbf095bc10
editorial
true
images
Save
Central grad and Illinois Manager Jack Born during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
cad0efc4-a098-5baf-a7d6-8243bcc65ded
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois players, L-R- Niccolo Moretti, Marcus Domask, AJ Redd (5),Ty Rodgers and Max Williams take a break during open locker rooms at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
75ad2688-bc27-5995-9001-8453362ef889
editorial
true
images
Save
The plan for the Illini is on the board at the open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0977f578-ab93-5719-bf78-940c0aa3e722
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) is interviewed during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
38a01248-eb15-5934-bbdc-1edb7cfe1eff
editorial
true
images
Save
The entrance to thew floor during practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
392f29ce-e495-59c2-a3c6-2d258ab940e2
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) and Illinois guard Niccolo Moretti (11) wait for practice to start at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
f0fb83c3-5c98-5510-a120-2dfb0a5191af
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) signs an autograph before practice for Camden Severin, 9, Omaha, at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
b5d89998-5b65-57b5-a561-195dcd120c8a
editorial
true
images
Save
Practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
fff3cbfa-891e-51f6-b5d6-dabcafec36a9
editorial
true
images
Save
Cheerleadxers practice holding up Sophia Gambino during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0b636a26-9834-5de5-ba88-2dfe670ec61e
editorial
true
images
Save
Cheerleader McKayla Smith practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
b5072eb6-b0b1-5c8f-a9e1-1f2ce7d43335
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) practices a free throw at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
daf7f213-8fbd-5f05-ba98-cb66a563c0b0
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (22) is interviewed during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
208cc148-f513-5977-8460-55e2e1420d2a
editorial
true
images
Save
CHI Health Center, home of the East first and second round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0eccf3a6-42d1-5126-81af-ea97a1b44b4c
editorial
true
images
Save
CHI Health Center, home of the East first and second round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1c278b32-942d-5e81-afba-820c799850fa
editorial
true
images
Save
CHI Health Center, home of the East first and second round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
d1bf624c-f08c-5181-b3fc-defad058673f
editorial
true
images
Save
PHOTO GALLERY: Illini in Omaha: Day 1
Press conferences, open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament in Omaha, Neb., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) laughs as teammate Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) compares his looks to entertainer Usher during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood talks with a reporter in the hallway outside the locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) tries to remain inconspicuous during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Amani Hansberry (35) during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Amani Hansberry (35) during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Former Michigan basketball strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson at the Illini's practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Sanderson will assist the Illini as a sports performance consultant.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42), right , is interviewed during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20), left, pretends to interview Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3), right, as they entertain reporters during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Kathryn Currey plays the trombone during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Morehead State's head coach Preston Spradlin talks during a press conference before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. There was also open locker rooms and practices for media at the CHI Health Center.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) holds on to the microphone as he does an interview during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Marcus Domask (3) wears a tee shirt honoring Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) during open locker rooms and practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) seriously reads his phone during open locker rooms and practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Max Williams (25) practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Former Michigan basketball strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson, left, and Illinois AD Josh Whitman chat on the bench during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
There were only a few definite Illini fans watching during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Curtis Deetz, Fulton, IL, during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was going to meet his sister cat the game, who is an Illinois and Orange Krush alum. She was coming form Kansas City.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Asst. Coach Chester Frazier at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The band helps by signaling a three every time Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) makes one at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) shoots as Asst. Coach Tim Anderson watches at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Sencire Harris (1) at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois at practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The Illinois team managers hang out in the hall during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Ty Rodgers (20) talks to the media during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Max Williams (25), left, and Illinois guard Luke Goode (10) sit under their names velcroed to the top of the lockers during open locker rooms at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Sencire Harris (1) does an interview at open locker room as Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (22), center, and Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) wait for something to happen at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) during open locker room time at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois Asst. coach Chester Frazier talks during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Central grad and Illinois Manager Jack Born during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois players, L-R- Niccolo Moretti, Marcus Domask, AJ Redd (5),Ty Rodgers and Max Williams take a break during open locker rooms at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The plan for the Illini is on the board at the open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) is interviewed during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
The entrance to thew floor during practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) and Illinois guard Niccolo Moretti (11) wait for practice to start at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) signs an autograph before practice for Camden Severin, 9, Omaha, at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Cheerleadxers practice holding up Sophia Gambino during practice at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Cheerleader McKayla Smith practices at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) practices a free throw at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher (22) is interviewed during open locker room at CHI Health Center before the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha,NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
CHI Health Center, home of the East first and second round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
CHI Health Center, home of the East first and second round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
CHI Health Center, home of the East first and second round of the NCAA basketball tournament in Omaha, NE on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
* Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
Morehead State will provide a challenge with an old team featuring seniors or graduate students at all five starting lineup spots. One of them is OVC Player of the Year Riley Minix, a former NAIA All-American who turned into a 20-and-10 guy in Division I.
Illinois will counter with a lineup led by the top scoring duo in the Big Ten in Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask. Will those two — plus their own veteran rotation — help the Illini get further down the path to escape their NCAA tournament past? Follow along
