Marcus Domask, No. 12 Illinois Heating Up Ahead of NCAA Tourney

It was a happy homecoming for Illinois guard Marcus Domask, who scored 31 points in the Fighting Illini’s 91-83 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday at the Kohl Center. The Wisconsin native — who attended high school about 60 miles northeast of Madison in Waupun, WI. — shot 12 of 21 from the floor and hit four 3-pointers. Domask also contributed eight rebounds and three assists.

In the process, Illinois became the first visiting team to win four consecutive games at the Kohl Center.

What else was unique about Domask’s performance? Let’s take a closer look at his recent play.

On the outside, not much was expected when Marcus Domask transferred to Illinois, but the former Southern Illinois standout has made the most of his short time in the Big Ten Conference. The fifth-year senior has been a fixture for the 12th-ranked Fighting Illini, averaging 16.0 points on 46.5% shooting to go with 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per NCAAB stats.

The Fighting Illini enter the final week of the regular season at 22-7 in the college basketball standings, including 13-5 in Big Ten play. They still have an outside shot at a share of the regular-season title and have already locked up a top-four seed in the conference tournament, which comes with a double-bye.

Saturday was Domask’s third 30-point game this game and his highest-scoring output since dropping 32 points in a 96-66 rout of Northwestern on Jan. 2. His season-high was 33 points in a 98-89 victory over then-No. 11 Florida Atlantic in the Jimmy V Classic on Dec. 5 at Madison Square Garden.

For much of the season, Domask has been the No. 2 scoring option alongside guard Terrance Shannon Jr., who is averaging a team-high 22.0 points. But when Shannon Jr. — a projected NBA first-round pick — was suspended, Domask stepped up to keep the team afloat alongside forward Coleman Hawkins. Domask averaged 20.8 points during that six-game stretch from Dec. 29 to Jan. 18, which resulted in the Fighting Illini going 4-2.

Last NCAAB season with Southern Illinois, Domask averaged a career-high 16.7 points and 5.8 boards and was a first team All-Missouri Valley Conference pick. Despite that production, most publications did not list Domask as one of the top available transfers last offseason. He announced his commitment to Illinois on April 10.

Odds Outlook

Terrance Shannon Jr. might be Illinois’ top scorer and its most coveted NBA prospect, but don’t overlook Marcus Domask when assessing the Fighting Illini’s NCAA Tournament hopes. The Fighting Illini are a tournament lock, with ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi projecting them to land a No. 4 seed in the March Madness bracket.

Illinois’ resume is impressive, highlighted by quality wins over Florida Atlantic, Northwestern, and Wisconsin. Another big opportunity awaits Tuesday (7 p.m. ET) when No. 3 Purdue visits. The Fighting Illini’s peripheral rankings are also solid: No. 15 in the NET, No. 12 in KenPom.

Oddsmakers are optimistic about the Fighting Illini’s chances of going on a deep March run, pricing them +700 to make the Final Four and +3000 to win the national championship. They are one of 16 schools with 30/1 title odds or better.

The Fighting Illini have yet to advance past the second round under coach Brad Underwood, but this is among his most talented NCAAB teams. Averaging 84.8 points per game, the Fighting Illini are ranked third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. They have scored 90 points or more nine times and hit 100 on two different occasions.

At the same time, the Fighting Illini are just 103rd in adjusted defensive efficiency. That obviously needs to improve for the Fighting Illini to make the most of March.

It should come as no surprise to bettors that Illinois has gone Over the total in 13 of its last 14 games, including nine straight. The Fighting Illini are 21-8 against the Over/Under on the season, equaling a cover rate of 72.4%. Over two schools have hit the Over with more frequency: Wright State (75.9%), Denver (73.1%).

For NCAAB betting news, odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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