By Darryl Harding Sr –
After a slow start in the first half, both teams in single digits on second chance points, Illinois, even though facing the number one defense in the tournament, managed to hold the Iowa State Cyclones to only 26 points and command a 10-point lead at half.
The very first play, a turnover by Terrance Shannon Jr marked as an immediate wake up call and Shannon managed to gouge the Cyclones as game high scorer with 29 points. Iowa stepped up offensively with production from Curtis Jones, scoring 26 points, with Tre King and Keshon Gilbert double digit scorers as well.
The fighting Illini, having their largest lead of 13 were now diminished to a two-point lead with just under 10 minutes left in the game. It was by far the defensive effort of the Illini that kept them from ever actually relinquishing a lead and although credit given to Iowa State whose “never say die,” attitude persisted.
It was eight steals and 17 fast break points that sealed the deal for Illinois sending them to face number one seated UConn, the reigning champs, for a spot to the Final Four. Ironically enough it was Shannon who stole the ball for a two handed dunk, with 17 seconds left that acted as the final nail in the coffin to vanquish the Cyclones.
These Regional matchups at TD Garden leave the Illini continuing to fight for a spot at NCAA greatness. Yeah it’s the confidence in our teammates and the why not us mindset,” said Illinois guard Luke Goode, “we put so much work into the off season… this is what you prepare for. It’s super exciting to have an opportunity to go on to play the number one team in the country.”
Illinois has made it to the regional finals only four times in the last 40 years and look forward to a win against UConn and a trip to the final four in Arizona.
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