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Illinois Basketball: 5 Games Determine If Illini Are Contenders

By Rees Woodcock

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Jan 7, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) drives to the basket against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) drives to the basket against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois vs. Winthrop (November 21, 2016; 7:00PM CT)

Okay, I know this seems like it should be a win because Illinois is Illinois and Winthrop is Winthrop, but I don’t think it is that easy.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Winthrop finished last season with a 21-8 record and competed against some power five conference programs.

I don’t think Winthrop is a powerhouse mid-major by any means but I do think if Illinois doesn’t prepare for them it could bite them in a place where the sun don’t shine.

Illinois has way more talent than Winthrop, but this talent will have played cupcakes leading up to this game.

Winthrop is returning one of their top two leading scorers in Keon Johnson.  He is a talented point guard that led the team in points and was second in assists.

Xavier Cooks will also be a threat to the Illini.  He is a 6-foot-8, 185-pound, forward who averaged 14.7 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game last season.

But, one big advantage Illinois will have over Winthrop is height.

Illinois has Mike Thorne Jr. who is at least three inches taller than anyone on the Winthrop team this season.

I think the Illini will be fine in this game, but they have to make sure they take Winthrop seriously.

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