Illinois Basketball: How the Illini can beat Minnesota

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 16: Leron Black
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 16: Leron Black

The Illinois basketball team tips off their regular Big Ten Conference schedule Wednesday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Illinois enters the game with an overall record of 10-5. They finished their non-conference slate at 10-3 and had two Big Ten games in the middle of the non-conference in which the Illini dropped both in overtime.

There is no question the Illini need to start the regular conference schedule off strong. They are already behind the eight ball with a 0-2 record and then you have to add in the fact four of the first five games of the conference slate are on the road.

Let’s take a look at some numbers first and then we can see where to attack. The first area is points per game. Right now, Illinois is averaging 79.2 PPG which is No. 60 in the nation. That is pretty solid but not as good as Minnesota who is averaging 83.8 PPG which is No. 25 in the nation.

Illinois does have a slight edge in points allowed per game, though. They are only giving up 70 PPG and that ranks No. 103 in the nation. That isn’t terrible but, of course, I would like to see an improvement. Minnesota is just behind the Illini giving up 70.6 PPG and that ranks No. 123 in the nation.

Minnesota is a good team when they are at home – which they are against Illinois – and a worst team on the road. Their only home loss this season was to No. 10 Miami by five points. That isn’t terrible by any means. But, they are only 1-2 on the road with losses to Nebraska and Arkansas.

Sadly, the Illini have to go up to Minnesota on Wednesday, so advantage Gophers. The best player on the Minnesota team is easily Jordan Murphy. He is a 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward who is averaging 19.1 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Containing him is key. Illinois can’t have stupid fouls because he likes to get to the free throw line. He is averaging seven free throws per game right now.

Another key for Illinois is to stay disciplined and block out. There were so many times I have screamed at my TV this season where Michael Finke or Leron Black has failed to the do the basics of blocking out. That cannot happen this game or Murphy will absolutely tear us up on the boards. He has literally had a double-double with rebounds and points every game this year.

One potential advantage for the Illini on Wednesday night is Minnesota could be without their No. 2 scorer, Nate Mason. He is a game-time decision and if he didn’t play, that would be huge for Illinois. He is averaging 15.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game this season. He is one of the leaders on this team and missing him would hurt the Gophers.

Offensively, Illinois’ guards need to stay aggressive and get to the free throw line. The more you drive at their big men – Jordan Murphy and Reggie Lynch – the more fouls they will rack up. Get this Gophers team into foul trouble early so the Illini big men can have an easier time.

Also, on offense, Illinois needs to get Leron Black going early. Feed him the ball on the block so he can establish his presence. I assume they will then double team him and an Illinois shooter should have an easy three-point shot. That is how I want to see this offense flowing.

On defense, two things are huge. They need to get rebounds and they can’t foul. Minnesota is No. 6 in the nation with 43.2 rebounds per game. Illinois can’t get lazy when a shot is put up. They need to stay aggressive in the paint and block out or Minnesota will have a field day with our big men.

Black and Finke need to control the fouls inside too. Don’t flail the arms. Make sure you stay straight up with the arms and square your body when the offensive player is coming at you. Illinois does a great job at this regularly but Minnesota is really good in the paint.

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Illinois needs to focus on these few things and I think they can get the win. They aren’t a bad team, but they just need to clean some things up and start the Big Ten slate off strong. I really think they can do that Wednesday night.