Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Maryland

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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 26: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tevian Jones (5) shoots during the first half of the Big Ten Super Saturday College Basketball game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 26, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. This was Tevian’s coming out party

All Illinois fans knew they had some talent on the team. Tevian Jones was one of the talented players that came in from the class of 2018. He had a chance to play the first few games but then suffered a suspension that set his freshman season back a bit.

Jones returned from his suspension but wasn’t playing much. The Illini were struggling with bench production and many fans, including myself, were wondering why Jones isn’t playing more. Well, against Maryland, Jones had his chance to shine and he didn’t disappoint.

Before the game against the Terrapins, Jones’ career high was eight points and that came during the first game of the season against Evansville. He broke out against Maryland, though, and set a new career high.

Jones finished the day with 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from three-point range. He was 2-of-2 from the free throw line as well. This wasn’t just an ordinary 18 points, though. Just two of the 18 points came in the first half. Like in the previous slide, Ayo Dosunmu enabled the Illini to finish strong in the first half. Jones then took over in the second half.

Dropping 16 points in any half by any player is amazing. Jones was able to do it as a true freshman. This kid was a huge reason we won this game today. He is a superstar in the making.

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