Illinois Basketball: 5 Games Determine If Illini Are Contenders
Illinois vs. West Virginia (November 24, 2016; 2:00PM CT)
The Illinois basketball team needs a big win over a good opponent and that is why West Virginia is a huge game to determine whether the Illini are contenders or not.
West Virginia had a pretty good season last year. They finished 26-9 and made it to the postseason as a No. 3 seed, but lost to No. 14 Stephen F. Austin.
But, off of that talented Mountaineers team, they are losing their top two scorers, Jaysean Paige and Devin Williams.
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This is going to hurt West Virginia this season and help the Illini attempt to beat them. Illinois is still up against a tough test with the Mountaineers.
The ramifications of winning this game are huge for the Illinois basketball team and their fanbase.
If Illinois wins this game it shows that they are a good team and can make the NCAA Tournament. This is huge for confidence and recruiting.
Although, if Illinois falls to the Mountaineers and it is an ugly game then it could set Illinois back a little bit.
The Illini should be able to compete with West Virginia this season and beat them. Illinois has arguably more talent than this team and I think this will help boost the Illini up on the national radar.