Illinois is moving on to the Round of 32.

The 3-seed Illini dominated the 2nd half to pick up an 85-69 win over 14-seed Morehead State. Illinois shot 54% from the field, including 46% from 3-point range. The Illini got 37 points from the bench to MSU’s 3 from reserves.

The Illini were not only hot from beyond the arc, but also worked the paint. Illinois outscored MSU 34-20 in the paint. The Illini defense blocked 7 shots without getting blocked themselves.

Don’t miss out! Saturday Tradition has you covered with the best Ohio online sportsbooks to bet on March Madness!

Here are 3 quick takeaways from Illinois’ opening-round win:

Dain Dainja puts MSU away

Morehead State played Illinois close early into the 2nd half, even holding a 45-43 lead with 16:44 to go. Unfortunately for MSU, Dain Dainja was in the middle of his 2nd-half takeover.

From 16:26 to 11:27, Dainja carried the Illini from trailing 45-43 to leading 59-48. Dainja was responsible for everything except an L Goode 3-point during Illinois’ 16-3 run to establish a double-digit lead.

Dainja cooled back down, but the Illini did not, extending the leadd beyond 20 points. Dainja finished 21 points, scoring 17 in the 2nd half on 7-of-7 shooting from the floor while going 3-of-4 at the free-throw line.

Marcus Domask does it all

Marcus Domask joined an exclusive club, becoming only the 9th player in NCAA Tournament history to mess around and get a triple-double. Domask had 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Ten of Domask’s 11 rebounds came on the defensive glass. The Illini out-rebounded Morehead State 37-32 in the game. Second-chance points were relatively even with MSU having the edge 12-11.

Illinois won assists in the box score 34-24 over MSU.

Domask’s performance is a reminder that Brad Underwood hit a grand slam finding the SIU transfer in the portal.

Terrence Shannon Jr. was Terrence Shannon Jr.

It’s not a given for every superstar to show up in the NCAA Tournament. Terrence Shannon Jr., though, made sure to be there for the Illini on Thursday.

Morehead State had no answer for Shannon at his strongest. He led the Illini with 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field, including 3-of-9 from 3-point territory and 5-of-6 at the foul line.

Another big game from Shannon would go a long way in helping Illinois snap its recent streak of opening-weekend exits. The Illini will play Duquesne on Saturday for a spot in the Sweet 16.