Illinois Now Controls Destiny In Big Ten Race After Purdue Loss To Ohio State

A day after defeating the Maryland Terrapins, the Illinois Fighting Illini received more good news Sunday afternoon.

The Ohio State Buckeyes defeating the Purdue Boilermakers means the Illini now control their destiny the rest of the season to win the Big Ten Conference regular season title. The Illini trail the Boilermakers by 1.5 games left with six games remaining in the season.

They play Purdue March 5 in Champaign at State Farm Center. Ohio State pulled off the upset behind 22 points from guard Bruce Thornton. Purdue Zach Edey had 22 points but the Boilermakers only shot 43 percent from the field.

The game was a contrast from the Illini's victory Saturday against Maryland. They were led by Terrence Shannon's 27 points.

“There’s no question everybody knows they’ve kind of had our number the past years,” Illinois guard Marcus Domask said. “To come in here on the road in a hostile environment, and I know they had some stuff for their students. I know they were excited for this one but to come in here and get the win means a lot.”

The Illini improved to 19-6 overall and 10-4 in the Big Ten. They have now won five of the last six, the only loss coming last week against Michigan State.

Domask added 19 points while Coleman Hawkins had 14 points and seven rebounds. The Illini led most of the second half before Maryland tied it at 68 but Shannon sealed it with four late free throws. It ended the Illini's five-game losing streak at Maryland.

“It’s finally nice I can check this one off, the only place (in the Big Ten) I hadn’t won was here,” Underwood said. “It feels good to be able to do that.”

The Illini, who are second in the conference to Purdue, return to action Wednesday on the road against Penn State.

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