Shannon on Oscar Robertson Trophy, All-America watch list
WCIA — Terrence Shannon Jr.’s play on the court has been among the best in the country this season, averaging 21.6 points per game, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 79 percent from the free throw line. On Tuesday, Shannon was named to the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Oscar Robertson Trophy and All-America Watch List.
Shannon has led a potent offense, and it is a good thing considering how the defense has performed. The Illini have given up at least 80 points in five of their last six games. Despite the score, the stats show the Illinois defense was better in the second half of their win against Iowa on Saturday. The Hawkeyes were held to just 35 percent from the field after the break. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood hopes this is a trend in the right direction.
“I thought our defense was really good,” Underwood said. “We still made some mistakes, certain guys made scouting report mistakes, we didn’t switch as much in this game. I think that helped in terms of playing Iowa but I thought we were much better and not in rotation near as much.”
Illinois hosts Minnesota at 8 p.m. on Wednesday on Big Ten Network.
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