PHOTO: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Illinois Basketball is 4-1 following a pair of early season wins in Champaign over the past weekend. The Illini got the best of Valparaiso 87-64 on Friday, and bettered Southern University 88-60 on Sunday evening.
A solid pair of dominant wins within 48 hours versus teams Illinois should dominate. However, there were a few key takeaways that stood out, despite these W’s appearing less than exciting.
Nico Moretti
Nico is a Solid young PG, that is providing some quality depth off the bench for Brad Underwood, and the Fighting Illini. A position that entering the season was, and still remains a pretty large question mark for Illinois. Moretti Went 2-2 with 6 points on the night in 13 mins vs Valpo, and was solid on the defensive end of the floor. He Found himself with similar numbers versus Southern, 13 Mins, 2-2 for 4 points on the night, but again, as well as solid defense on the other end of the court. Certainly not eye popping numbers by any means, however, Underwood will be happy to have another useful piece off the bench to help sustain scoring, while not looking lost on the defensive end of the floor. This is exciting from and young player, and the Freshman from Italy will certainly be a story to keep an eye on as the season progresses
Illini Big’s
It was certainly a point of interest to keep an eye on 4-5 play after the indefinite loss if Coleman Hawkins due to Injury. For 2 games in a row now, Dain Dainja was Illinois second leading scorer behind Terrance Shannon Jr. in both of the Illini’s two weekend victories. Dain went a ballers 8-10 vs Valpo for 16 points on the night. The big man was on fire, and Illini fans can’t get enough of 80% shooting games form Dain Dainja… nether can Brad Underwood. Dain also went 5-7 and 12 points vs Southern, and was a force on the defensive end. Certainly a much improved showing from a leaner, stronger, Dain Dainja.
Quincy Guerrier has started to show more of his abilities as well, as the Oregon Transfer went 5-9 form the floor with 10 point on the night. Again, not eye popping numbers. But, the kind of performances you hope to have from the ever more solidifying depth Brad Underwood is building in this Illini program.
Terrance Shannon
Terrance, Still good at hoops. Shannon Jr is Balling, and tore off 46 point between this pair of weekend wins for the Illini. If Terrance can continue to lead this squad at such a high level, Illinois will continue to be one of the harder teams to beat in the nation. Despite the Illini being knocked out of the AP top 25 surprisingly after a close loss to #4 Marquette, Illinois is one of the better teams in college basketball, and it all comes back to their leader on the court. His aggressive scoring ability wears on teams, and truthfully, you become a hard team to beat when he is your leader.
The Illini are set to take on the Western Illinois University in Campaign on Black Friday, in what should be another expected dominant win for Illinois. The Illini tip at 8pm, and you can catch the Matchup on BTN, or listen in Bloomington/Normal at NOW 100.7.
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