Illinois Basketball: 5 Games Determine If Illini Are Contenders

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Dec 23, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) drives the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Scottrade Center. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeat the Missouri Tigers 68-63. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois vs. North Carolina State (November 29, 2016; 8:00PM CT)

The game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack isn’t necessarily a ‘get off the bubble’ type of game but it is the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and that game is always huge.

Illinois takes on the Wolfpack in hopes of getting a win for the Big Ten. This game is also big to show that winning can be sustained with the Illini.

Last season was the first missed NCAA Tournament for North Carolina State in five years. They have been a good program and that is also why Illinois needs a win.

The Wolfpack did lose an important piece to their team from the previous year.

Anthony Barber decided to forgo his senior season and head to the NBA. This is a big blow to North Carolina State.

Barber was the Wolfpack’s leading scorer with 23.5 PPG. He also averaged 4.5 rebounds per game and 4.5 assists per game.

Even without Barber, I think North Carolina State could be a threat. At very minimum, this would be a win over an ACC program and that always looks good.

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