Can Illinois keep it rolling in Knoxville?

The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team is off to a strong start in the 2023-24 season, with a 7-1 record and a No. 20 ranking in the AP poll. The Illini are coming off a 98-89 win over No. 11 Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, and are preparing to face No. 17 Tennessee on Saturday in a marquee matchup to see if they can stay on a roll.

The Stars Shined Against the Owls

The Illini overcame the Owls, winning 98-89 in a non-conference game on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Illinois improved to 7-1 on the season, while Florida Atlantic fell to 7-2.

Illinois had three players score in double figures, led by Marcus Domask and Terrence Shannon, who each had 33 points. Domask also had six rebounds and three assists, while Shannon had two assists and a block. Domask made 15 of 21 shots from the field, including 2 of 6 from three-point range. Shannon made 10 of 14 shots from the field, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc.

The Illini shot 63% from the field and 40% from…