Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers

2. Terrence Shannon Jr. brought the energy

Despite Illinois winning the game by 16 points, it wasn’t always that easy of a victory. The Illini struggled at times, and Nebraska was fighting tough for most of the contest.

Illinois went from having a one-point lead at halftime to being down two points with 10:24 to go in the game. The team had lost all momentum and was looking at a 50-48 deficit. This is the point where Terrence Shannon Jr. flipped a switch and started to take over the game with his energy.

There are times when Shannon decides to go full scoring mode, and that has helped Illinois win in the past. But on Tuesday night, he decided to do it all down the stretch.

Shannon would put up two points, three assists, one steal, and one rebound in the final 10:24 of the game. He helped facilitate the ball on the offensive end of the court, but what really impressed me the most was his defense.

Nebraska would try to get things going in the paint, but Shannon would help lead the Illinois defense. He was on-point with his help defense, and the communication was the best I have seen all season long.

Shannon brought the energy to the Illinois basketball team on both ends of the court. He was huge down the stretch for this program. Without him, I don’t think we knock off the Cornhuskers.