Illinois Closes Six-Game Homestand With 82-54 Victory Against Western Illinois

And now things get real for the Illinois basketball team.

The Fighting Illini closed out a six-game homestand with an 84-52 victory against Western Illinois Friday at State Farm Center. Guard Terrence Shannon led the way with 19 points.

"I've been really pleased with this group, and I've been really pleased with the improvements we've made," coach Brad Underwood. "Now, it's what we really play for: those league games and putting ourselves in a position to go win."

The Illini won five of the six home games, with the only loss coming to No. 4 Marquette. They now have a week off before opening Big Ten play at Rutgers Dec. 2.

"I go back to the two exhibitions," Underwood said. "I think we found a really nice balance of great competition. Obviously, Kansas was one and Marquette, and then you've found some games where you can get guys minutes, and you could work combinations. Maybe you're not overly stressed about the outcome, but how you get to it and find those things out."

The Illini made quick work of the Leathernecks, jumping to an early 15-6 lead. Shannon led the team in scoring for the fifth straight game. Now, they are ready to begin the tougher portion of the schedule. After Rutgers, they face Final Four participant Florida Atlantic before returning to conference play.

"I've always heard that the Big Ten is the best conference, so I'm really excited that I'm finally playing for Illinois after all these years," Illini forward Quincy Guerrier said. "I'm just excited to get it started against Rutgers."

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher for Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com.