Dominant Second Half Guides #23 Illinois to Home Win over Valparaiso

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – No. 23 Illinois outscored Valparaiso by 30 points in the second half en route to an 87-64 victory at State Farm Center on Friday night.

The Fighting Illini tallied 49 points in the second half and held the visitors to 20% from the field during the final 20 minutes to seal the victory in Beacon head coach and Illini great Roger Powell Jr.’s return to Champaign.

“I was really proud of our guys the second half,” said head coach Brad Underwood. “We came out with a different energy, and that was really the key of the game.”

Terrence Shannon Jr. led the way once again, recording a team-high 22 points, including 15 in the second half. Shannon, who has scored in double figures in all four games this season, shot 50% from the field, knocked down three 3-pointers, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out a team-high four assists.