Illinois Basketball: 5 Games Determine If Illini Are Contenders

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Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) battles for a rebound with Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Kameron Chatman (3) during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois vs. Maryland (December 27, 2016; 4:00PM CT)

The Maryland Terrapins were a great team last season and I think they will be pretty good this year as well.

Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

This is the first game of the Big Ten season for the Illini. They need to get off on the right foot and I think winning this game would set the stage for a potential top-five finish in the conference.

Maryland would also likely be ranked heading into this game as well. That means it would be a big game for the seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, Maryland made it all the way to the Sweet 16 and fell to No. 1 Kansas. That team returns a few good players as well.

Melo Trimble will be back to face the Illini this season. He led the Terrapins in scoring with 14.8 PPG and assists with 4.9 APG.

This team is going to be good this season and having Illinois beat Maryland would be huge. Win this game and I think it would help solidify the Illini as contenders.

Maryland also has a good recruiting class coming in as well.

Justin Jackson is a superstar forward that can grab rebounds but is also super athletic.

Illinois will have their hands full for the first Big Ten game. If they win this game then it should help the Illini reach the top 25 rankings.

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