23 in '23: Top college basketball storylines entering the new year
Whether you're just getting into college hoops as the calendar turns to January or you're looking for a reset on the sport, here are 23 stor...DECEMBER 30, 2022
Bethune-Cookman vs
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Dainja records 22 pts, 6 reb to lead Illinois
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State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
Dain Dainja - Leading scorer in winDainja finished with 22 points (8-10 FG, 6-11 FT), six rebounds, four steals, four blocks and two assists across 26 minutes during Thursday's 85-52 win over the Bethune-Cookman Wi...
ImpactDainja showcased his full offensive arsenal against the Wildcats, leading the team in scoring while also being very efficient from the field. He was also an absolute force on the defensive end, leading the team in steals and blocks. The sophomore forward has been a completely different player for Illinois this season, averaging 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds across 17.7 minutes per night.
DECEMBER 30, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Dainja scores 22 as Illinois defeats Bethune-Cookman 85-52
Dain Dainja scored a career-high 22 points and led five players in double-digit scoring as Illinois returned from a week off to power past Bethune-Cookman, 85-52DECEMBER 30, 2022•ASSOCIATED PRESS
Skyy Clark - Deemed day-to-dayClark (shoulder) is being considered day-to-day ahead of Illinois' next game Wednesday at Northwestern, Derek Piper of Rivals.com reports.
ImpactClark was held out of Thursday's clash against Bethune-Cookman due to a left shoulder injury, but he's not yet guaranteed to miss additional time. The team will likely evaluate the guard on a daily basis moving forward with more updates likely to surface closer to Wednesday's tipoff.
DECEMBER 29, 2022•ROTOWIRE
RJ Melendez - Heads to bench ThursdayMelendez is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Bethune-Cookman, Ethan Simmons of The News-Gazette reports.
ImpactMelendez will head to the bench Thursday with head coach Brad Underwood opting to go bigger and begin the game with Dain Dainja. Melendez has recently been limited with a shoulder injury and has played less than 20 minutes in each of the last three games. He could see some additional rest tonight with the Illini matched up against a much weaker opponent.
DECEMBER 29, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Sencire Harris - Enters starting lineupHarris is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Bethune-Cookman, Ethan Simmons of The News-Gazette reports.
ImpactHarris will get the first start of his collegiate career with Skyy Clarke sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The 6-4 freshman is averaging 4.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game and will have a prime opportunity for an extended role against a lesser opponent Thursday night.
DECEMBER 29, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Dain Dainja - Starting ThursdayDainja is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Bethune-Cookman, Ethan Simmons of The News-Gazette reports.
ImpactDainja will get his first start of the year with head coach Brad Underwood opting to go with a bigger lineup Thursday night. The 6-9 Baylor transfer is averaging 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game and will look to take advantage of the opportunity against a weaker opponent.
DECEMBER 29, 2022•ROTOWIRE
