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NCAA Basketball: Duke, Illinois, and Virginia tumble in latest top 25 power ranking

By Tristan Freeman

Dec 10, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong (2) controls the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong (2) controls the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Illinois Fighting Illini

After losing by nearly 30 points in their first big game of the season, folks weren’t taking the Missouri Tigers seriously entering last week’s game against Illinois in the annual “Braggin Rights” rivalry battle. Apparently, neither did the Fighting Illini, who trailed by double-digits early on and then got blown out of the water for a 93-71 loss.

Terrence Shannon Jr. had another good game with 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. And after a slow start to the season, forward Matthew Mayer has gotten it going of late, going for 16 points. Unfortunately, the rest of the supporting cast didn’t show up, including starters Skyy Clark and RJ Melendez literally scoring 0 points.

The one small bright spot for Illinois was freshmen guards, Sincere Harris and Jayden Epps. They combined for 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench and have made a case for more minutes as the team gets back into Big Ten play. Outside of Shannon, everyone’s role seemingly is up for grabs when it comes to where they fit in the rotation.

They have a home game against Bethune-Cookman this week to try and get things back together but having lost three of five games, there are some issues that need to be addressed.

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