Connecticut will try to do what nobody has done in March Madness: Stop Illinois star Terrence Shannon

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BOSTON — Illinois senior Terrence Shannon Jr. is putting together an NCAA Tournament run for the ages. Connecticut is very aware.

When the No. 3 Fighting Illini and No. 1 Huskies meet on Friday with a Final Four bid on the line, all eyes will be on maybe the best matchup of this postseason: Shannon against the defending national champions.

While the Huskies have ripped through another three teams to run their postseason winning streak to nine games, all by a double-digit margin, Shannon’s ability as a scorer makes Illinois a dangerous opponent with enough punch to keep UConn out of the national semifinals.

“He’s playing like one of the best college players in the country,” sophomore forward Alex Karaban said. “He’s one of the tasks we need to get ready for. Like I said, he’s one of the best players in the country and everybody knows that.”

Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dribbles the ball against Iowa State during the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA men’s tournament at TD Garden.

Shannon has scored 85 points through three games, becoming the first player in program history to score at least 25 points in three tournament games in a row. If he maintains this pace through the national championship game, Shannon would finish with the third-most points by a player in a single tournament, behind Michigan’s Glen Rice in 1989 (184 points) and Princeton’s Bill Bradley in 1965 (177 points).

He scored 29 points in Thursday’s 72-69 win against No. 2 Iowa State despite playing just 30 minutes after getting into foul trouble.

“He’s strong,” sophomore center Donovan Clingan said of Shannon. “He’s crafty around the rim. He’s an elite player, a lottery pick.”

As an offense, Illinois reminds UConn of Marquette, coach Dan Hurley said. The Illini lost 71-64 to the Golden Eagles in non-conference play.

“I think there’s different elements with the way that they space the court,” said Hurley. “Obviously, we watched their game versus…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/connecticut-try-nobody-done-march-120538248.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-03-30 12:05:38

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