By IlliniGuys Staff

November 19, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Terrence Shannon Jr. went on a personal 11-0 run in the first half on his way to a season-high 24 points as #23 Illinois breezed past Southern 88-60 Sunday evening at State Farm Center.

It's the final game for the Illini (4-1) before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Luke Goode (10) led Illinois with three made 3-point field goals in Sunday's win over Southern. He's hitting 45% of his three-pointers this season. (Photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

The Jaguars stayed close to Illinois, down just 29-24 when Shannon took over.  The unanimous preseason all-Big Ten had been limited to just a pair of free throws when he hit a layup at the 4:06 to begin his personal assault.  He ended up with 17 points in the first half as the Illini went into intermission with a 45-27 lead.

Shannon added a team-high 4 assists as Illinois dished out a season-high 18 assists, but also coughed up 21 turnovers, their highest total of the young season. Dain Dainja scored 12 points, all in the first half, while Quincy Guerrier finished with 10.

Backup point guard Nico Moretti delivered a solid first half before leaving with an ankle injury and did not return.

The Illini suffered through another anemic shooting from beyond the arc, missing all six first-half attempts and finishing just 5-0f-22.  But Luke Goode continued his hot streak, draining 3-0f-7 in the game.  The junior forward is hitting 45 percent from three for the season (14-of-31), including draining at least three treys in every game except one.

Tai'Reon Joseph led Southern (1-4) with 18 points.

Illinois will return to action on Friday when Western Illinois visits.  That's an 8pm tipoff and can be seen on BTN.