Illinois Finishes Non-Conference Season With Victory Against Farleigh Dickinson

The University of Illinois basketball team had a rough week with the suspension of guard Terrence Shannon.

They responded by finishing the non-conference season with a 104-71 victory against Farleigh Dickinson Friday at State Farm Center. The Illini had six players in double-figures, led by Dain Dainja's season-high 19 points and six rebounds.

"Dain works. Dain is a team guy," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. "Dain is all about us. You keep communicating and you keep telling him, 'It's the right time.' When Coleman was out, we saw him step in and flourish. It's sure not a knock on his abilities; it's been more of a matchup and the opportunity.

Dainja was 9 of 10 from the field in only 16 minutes.

"In my opinion, I think we have the best-shooting five-man in college basketball and those match-ups based on the way they cover," Dainja said. "The college game is influencing a little bit to the NBA type of game."

Forward Coleman Hawkins also had a strong game for the Illini, finishing wit 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. He hit four 3-pointers.

"Coleman's proven what we've been saying for years: that he can really, really shoot it, and now we've got him shooting it," Underwood said. "I'm really proud of Dain tonight. He was very, very impactful."

The Illini are now off until Jan. 2 during the holiday break. They open Big Ten play against Northwestern in Champaign.

Illinois Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. Charged With Rape, Suspended From Team

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