Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Michigan State

2. Marcus Domask always finds a way to impact the game

Sometimes you have your offensive game and sometimes you don’t. That is basketball. Against Michigan State, Marcus Domask didn’t have his best offensive performance of the season.

Domask finished the game with 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range. Hitting 33.3% from the field and 25% from deep isn’t going to win over a lot of people. But do you know what will win over a lot of people? Impacting the game without having to have an efficient scoring night.

Sure, Domask couldn’t put the ball in the hoop efficiently, but he was still able to score the basketball. He got to the free throw line six times and knocked them all down.

When a shot would go up, Domask would be lurking around waiting to pounce on a rebound. He goes after rebounds with great ferocity, and it helps Illinois tremendously. Domask finished the night second on the team in rebounds.

Domask has also turned into our best ball distributor. While he wasn’t hitting shots, the talented wing was creating buckets for his teammates. He had five assists on the night, which led both teams. He has now led Illinois in assists in four out of the last five games.

I want animals on the Illinois basketball team. Domask fits that description. He is someone who, despite having a rough shooting night, will affect the game in a positive way. Illinois runs so well with Domask on the court. What a great offseason find by Brad Underwood.