The Illinois Fighting Illini apparently have their recipe for success in the playoffs.
It's quite simple: Fall behind by double-digits in the second half, turn up the defensive pressure and ride the hot hand of guard Terrence Shannon.
That was the case for a third straight game in the Big Ten tournament at Target Center in Minneapolis. This time, they rallied from 10 to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers 93-87 to capture their second conference title since 2021. Guard Terrence Shannon led the way with 34 points, completing one of the best performances in tournament history.
He averaged 34 points in three games, including a career-high 40 in the semifinals against Nebraska.
The Illini trailed 61-51 with 14:38 left before they began another big charge. A 7-0 run highlighted a Dain Dainja dunk, Shannon layup and 3-pointer by Marcus Domask put them ahead 70-65. Shannon then capped it with a deep 3-pointer with 1 minute, 26 seconds remaining. They shot 60 percent in the second half.
It wasn't just Shannon. Domask finished with 26 points on 8 of 11 shooting. He was also 9 of 10 from the free throw line.
It was the eighth win in nine games for the Illini. The only loss was to No. 2 Purdue, a game they had every chance to win. Now, the Illini roll into the NCAA Tournament oozing with momentum.
They should enter no lower than a No. 3 seed.
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