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Illinois Basketball: Preview of the Big Ten Conference Schedule 2016-17

By Zachary Leslie

Mar 10, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) celebrates with center Maverick Morgan (22) and forward Michael Finke (43) after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Illinois defeats Iowa 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) celebrates with center Maverick Morgan (22) and forward Michael Finke (43) after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Illinois defeats Iowa 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Currently sitting at 5-3, the Illinois basketball team has some work to do before the conference schedule begins.

I am going to break down the Big Ten schedule, and show you just what it will take for the Illini to get into the Big Dance come March. Let’s get to it…

Maryland (12.27.16 in MD) W

The Illini will need to do some pretty amazing things to boost their resume for the tournament. Beating a team like Maryland on the road (which Pittsburgh just did) could do just that.

Entering the game against the Terrapins, Illinois will be coming off two games against BYU and Mizzou. Those two opponents will not be easy and may cause problems for the Illini.

Maryland could prove to be a must-win game for the Illini depending on how those previous two games shake out. I predict the Illini to win in Maryland, 74-69.

Ohio State (1.1.17 in IL) W

Winning home games in the Big Ten is a must. I do not see Illinois dropping this one, 72-58.

Indiana (1.7.17 in IN) L

Nov 29, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce celebrates during the second half against North Carolina State Wolfpack at State Farm Center. Illinois beat North Carolina State 88 to 74. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce celebrates during the second half against North Carolina State Wolfpack at State Farm Center. Illinois beat North Carolina State 88 to 74. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s flashback to 2013 when Tyler Griffey hits a game-winning layup, and the Illini defeat the top-ranked Hoosiers.

That team was the last team to make it to the tournament. I am not saying Illinois needs to beat IU to get in, but hey, it would be pretty nice.

I see the Illini falling in this one, though, 82-66.

Michigan (1.11.17 in IL) W

I have had this game marked on my calendar all season long.

I went to the Michigan vs. Illinois game when the State Farm Center attendance record was broken. It was a crazy night, to say the least.

Illinois needs to pull off the win at home against a good opponent to really catch some attention. The Illini will win this one, 78-75.

Maryland Pt. 2 (1.14.17 in IL) L

This is a game I am truly afraid of and it will be Illinois’ third game in seven days in the Big Ten. It is also against a tough opponent and the Illini will be vulnerable.

This game to me is a swing game. I can see John Groce and the boys dropping this one, but it would certainly help to win it.

I am going with the Terrapins to come out of Champaign with a win, 64-62.

Purdue (1.17.17 in WL) L

What a steal of a game this would be. If Illinois can come out of West Lafayette with a win, it could change the season.

For this Illini team to steal a game on the road against this opponent would be huge. I do not see Illinois doing it, though.

Purdue is too big, too strong and too good. Illini fall to the Boilermakers, 68-53.

Michigan Pt. 2 (1.21.17 in MI) W

This is the game the Illini will take on the road. This is the game the Illini will need in March. Go get this win, 77-72.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Iowa (1.25.17 in IL) W

This is a home game with momentum. Illinois has to win, 76-64.

Penn State (1.28.17 in PA) L-OT

This is a danger game for the Illini. Every year Illinois will lose that game you know they shouldn’t.

This is the one ladies and gentleman. Penn State wins, 83-78 in overtime.

Wisconsin (1.31.17 in IL) W

I predict this to be the biggest win of the season for the Illini. One that will definitely boost their resume in March, and help them gain some confidence, 73-71.

Minnesota (2.4.17 in IL) W

Every year Illinois will lose that game you know they shouldn’t. This is not it, 83-58.

Northwestern (2.7.17 in NW) L

Illinois will be on the road against a much-improved Northwestern basketball team.

That does scare me, but the Illini will know now, that every game is crucial. I still see Northwestern edging out the Illini, 68-66.

Penn State (2.11.17 in IL) W

Illinois will win this one. Do not be afraid, 78-61.

Iowa (2.18.17 in IOWA) L

The four-game win streak comes to an end in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes are a tough road matchup, 73-66.

Northwestern (2.21.17 in IL) W

Illinois can’t afford a loss here. Illini takes home the win, 83-73.

Nebraska (2.26.17 in NEB) W

It’s a trap! Nebraska is always tough to play on the road, but March is approaching. Groce needs this win desperately, 67-60.

Michigan State (3.1.17 in IL) W

This is the chance to grab a good win from a good opponent. Please win this one, Illinois, 78-76.

Rutgers (3.4.17 in NJ) W

Haha, 82-57. ILL-INI

Next: How the Illini Should Line-Up Moving Forward

Nonconference (prediction): 8-5

Conference (prediction): 12-6

FINAL: 20-11

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