In a landmark performance during the Big Ten tournament semifinals on Saturday, Terrence Shannon Jr. etched his name into the annals of basketball history with a dazzling display for Illinois against Nebraska.
The senior guard’s remarkable outing saw him rack up an impressive 40 points in Illinois’ 98-87 triumph over the Cornhuskers, shattering the previous Big Ten tournament record. Northwestern’s Michael Thomas had held the record since 2011 with a 35-point showcase against Minnesota.
Terrence Shannon Jr.’s standout performance garnered attention across the basketball world, with CBS Sports College Basketball highlighting his achievement on social media.
.@IlliniMBB's Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 36 points for the Big Ten Tournament record. pic.twitter.com/ljefYMtOrd
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 16, 2024
Shannon showcased his efficiency by going 11-of-22 from the field, including a solid 5-for-9 from beyond the arc and an impressive 13-of-16 from the free-throw line. This performance underscores Shannon’s impact since transferring from Texas Tech, where he has been averaging an impressive 21.9 points per game this season.
With this victory, Illinois secures a spot in the Big Ten tournament championship game, where they are set to face off against Wisconsin on Sunday. Wisconsin secured their place in the final by overcoming top-seeded Purdue in overtime earlier on Saturday.
In their previous encounter in March, Illinois emerged victorious against Wisconsin with a 91-83 win, led by Marcus Domask’s 31-point contribution. A win in the championship game would mark a significant milestone for Illinois, as it would be their first season with 25 wins since 2005-06.
While Illinois has already secured its place in the NCAA tournament, defeating Wisconsin could potentially impact its seeding. Currently projected as a No. 3 seed by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, the outcome of Sunday’s championship game could influence their final seeding position.
On the other hand, Wisconsin, also assured of its NCAA tournament berth, aims to enhance its seeding position. Lunardi currently places them as a No. 5 seed, and a victory over Illinois could bolster their standing.
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Big Ten tournament championship game is scheduled to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
