Harmon, Dainja step up in Illinois’ first game without Shannon

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — When the adversity around the program was at an all-time high, every single Illini stepped up.

After leading scorer Terrence Shannon Jr. was suspended indefinitely following his arrest, short-handed Illinois played its first game in a week in front of a sold-out crowd at State Farm Center.

This game meant much more than anyone could’ve imagined just a few days ago. With all the adversity surrounding head coach Brad Underwood’s guys, they responded emphatically on Friday night.

Without their best scorer and ball handler, the Illini struggled offensively in the first half. However, emergences from Dain Dainja and Justin Harmon (37 combined points) put Illinois up big.

From there, balanced play, dominance on the glass and efficient shooting carried Illinois past Fairleigh Dickinson, 104-71.

“This is the most connected group of players that I’ve coached,” Underwood said. “That showed tonight.”

As expected, Shannon’s absence was going to impact…