Illinois Fighting Illini Starts Fast In 74-57 Victory Against Colgate

After a weeklong break, the Illinois Fighting Illini rebound with a 17-point win against Colgate Sunday at State Farm Center

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood had a nervous feeling entering Sunday's game against Colgate. 

Leading up to the game, he was worried about the Raiders' talent and the fact the Illini were coming off a weeklong layoff while also dealing with final exams. 

The Illini eased Underwood's nerves by scoring the first 14 points before never trailing in a 74-57 victory Sunday at State Farm Center. 

"Terrific start today impacted so much of the way that game went," Underwood said. "We talked about their team, you don't want to play behind against them because of their size, their pace of play, their post-ups and their ability." 

The Illini were led by a balanced scoring effort that included four players in double-figures. Coleman Hawkins had a team-high 16 points while Quincy Guerrier added 15 and Terrence Shannon had 14 and Marcus Domask finished with 11. 

Underwood was most impressed by the defense from Shannon, who helped hold Colgate standout Braeden Smith to just two points. Smith entered averaging 14 points. 

Shannon, the Illini's leading scorer, had a team-high five blocks. 

"How good was Terrence Shannon," Underwood said. "Yikes, five blocks. I had tremendous respect for Braeden Smith. I watched every game this team has played this year. Braeden Smith is a terrific basketball player. I don't think he scored on Terrence. The job he did on him was elite. Braeden is a kid who can play anywhere." 

A Week Off Gives Illinois Fighting Illini Time To Decompress Before Facing Colgate

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