No. 14 Illinois pulls away from Rutgers in Shannon’s return

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Terrence Shannon Jr.’s return did not disappoint.

Despite an electric start in front of a standing home crowd, Illinois allowed Rutgers to claw back within five midway through the second half. With the crowd as quiet as it had been all day, Shannon charged down the court and made a pair of baskets to re-ignite the Illini faithful.

Shannon’s spark started a 21-5 run, and the Illini did not look back. The star’s first game back would not be spoiled, as an aggressive and balanced Illinois attack led to a 86-63 win on Sunday at State Farm Center.

Shannon was activated Friday after a federal judge granted an injunction ending his indefinite suspension by the university after he was criminally charged with rape in Douglas County, Kansas.

Illinois (14-4, 5-2 Big Ten) had nearly every player stepped up during Shannon’s time away from the program, and Quincy Guerrier and Justin Harmon did not slow down. Their 33 combined points led an Illinois squad on a…