Illinois Basketball Dominates Jacksonโฃ State,Bench Players Shine
Champaign,IL – No. 17 โฃIllinois cruised to a dominant victory over Jackson State Monday night, showcasing contributions from across โthe roster. While establishedโค players led the scoring, the game provided valuable opportunities for bench players toโฃ impress, bolstering the team’s depth as they move forward in the season.
The Illini’s win wasn’t just about the final score; it was about the advancement โขof players beyond the starting five.Several reserves stepped up, demonstrating growth and earningโค praise from bothโ coaches and teammates. This depth will be crucial as Illinois navigates aโฃ challenging schedule.
Playerโข grades & Notes:
Terrence Shannon Jr. (A+): The senior guard led all scorers with 22 points.
Marcus Domask (A): domask contributedโ 17 points and six assists, efficiently running the offense.
Colemanโข Hawkins (B+): Hawkins added 11 points and seven rebounds, providing a solid presence in โthe paint.
Jayden epps (B+): Epps scoredโฃ 11 points, continuing โขhis consistent offensive โคoutput.
Dain dainja (A-): โฃDainja โwas a force inside, scoringโฃ 14 points and grabbingโฃ eight rebounds.
Luke โGoode (B): After a year of playing in Champaign, Goode appears more comfortable. He was โconsistent from three-point range Monday night and is finding other ways to contribute, using his strength to grab rebounds and drive to the paint.
Zvonimir Iviลกiฤ (C): The junior center โhad four points and went 0-for-3 from the three-point โline. he snagged nine reboundsโ and two blocks in 19 minutes.
Jason Jakstys (B): The redshirt freshman forward recorded his first career points as anโค Illini with a two-handed dunk. He also grabbed nine rebounds,three offensive,in just 12 minutes. โข”We seeโข that every day inโค practice,” โsaid Coach Underwood about Jakstys’ rebounding. “That’s why he’s earned himself the right to play minutes.”
Blake Fagbemi (B-): In 14 minutes,Fagbemi produced twoโ points and three rebounds,bringing energy off the bench. “blake Fagbemi played really hard today,” Humrichous said. “He’s one of those dudes that โprobably didn’t get the rebounding numbers โขthat he could get credited for, but was on the glass, set a โbig โtone for us.”
AJ Redd (C): The senior guard scored three โฃpoints in sixโ minutesโข of play, energizing the crowd.