Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) shoots between Florida Atlantic's Bryan Greenlee (4) and Giancarlo Rosado, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
NEW YORK - Marcus Domask scored 33 points and Terrence Shannon Jr. had 31, both career highs, as No. 20 Illinois shot 63% and surged ahead in the second half for a 98-89 victory over No. 11 Florida Atlantic in the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday night.
Playing in this event for the second consecutive year, the Fighting Illini (7-1) won their fifth straight game thanks to Domask and Shannon, who combined for 47 points after halftime and were a combined 25 of 35 from the field.
Domask shot 15 of 21 and surpassed his previous career high of 32 points set Jan. 29 for Southern Illinois at Illinois State. Shannon went 10 for 14 and also hit nine of 11 free throws.
Vladislav Goldin scored a career-best 23 points before fouling out in the final minute for Florida Atlantic (7-2), which made it first appearance at Madison Square Garden since beating Tennessee and Kansas State in the East Regional of the NCAA Tournament in March to reach its first Final Four.
Johnell Davis added 19 points as the Owls shot 48%.
Coleman Hawkins returned to the starting lineup for the Illini after missing three games with a knee injury. The senior forward had six points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes.
Illinois' Markus Domask shoots over Florida Atlantic's Johnell Davis (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) shoots as Florida Atlantic's Vladislav Goldin defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Illinois guard Justin Harmon (4) drives to the basket against Florida Atlantic guard Bryan Greenlee during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) drives against Florida Atlantic center Vladislav Goldin during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Florida Atlantic guard Brandon Weatherspoon (23) celebrates a teammate's 3-pointer against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Illinois' Ty Rodgers shoots between Florida Atlantic's Vladislav Goldin, left, and Alijah Martin (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
A shot by Florida Atlantic guard Alijah Martin is blocked by Illinois forward Quincy Guerrier (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Florida Atlantic coaches and players celebrate a 3-point basket against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)
Florida Atlantic guard Brandon Weatherspoon (23) reacts after drawing an offensive foul against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter K. Afriyie)