Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 15: Illinois forward Leron Black (12) makes a lay up against Nebraska during the second half of a college basketball game Monday, January 15th at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 64 to 63. (Photo by John Peterson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Brad Underwood relying on the starters

I have been critical of Brad Underwood’s rotations this season. There were times that I didn’t understand why he was doing certain things. But, on Monday night, he did something that I really liked.

Underwood shortened up his rotations and gave the starters more minutes. I have wanted this for a while and it finally happened. Illinois’ starters are the best players on the team and they should be playing more minutes than the guys coming off the bench.

I thought the Nebraska game was brilliantly coached by Underwood. Illinois just couldn’t make shots and this led to their ultimate demise. I really liked the fact all of the starters received at least 23 minutes in the game. That means he is relying more on them than he used too.

Leron Black, Michael Finke and Trent Frazier combined for 48 of the 63 points the team scored. That comes to around 76-percent of the scoring production. The other two starters – Da’Monte Williams and Mark Alstork – shot a dismal 0-of-10 from the field for a total of five points. They need to step up on the offensive end.

I think Underwood nailed the rotations on Monday night, though. The guys he wanted to play saw the most minutes. There is no reason to spread out the time on the floor to players who don’t deserve it.

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