Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Michigan State

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) reacts after making a three pointer during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Kipper Nichols was lights out

I have been extremely hard on Kipper Nichols this season. He hasn’t performed like I wanted him too and like has the potential to perform. He had a good early part of the season for the Illini but his inconsistency really hurts the team.

In the last two games heading into the Michigan State contest on Monday night, Nichols only managed five points on 2-of-10 shooting from the field. He has not been good but it was really fun to watch him break out against the Spartans.

Nichols only had five points in the first half with one three-pointer and two free throws. It looked like he was just going to have a solid game off the bench. But, he was let loose in the second half and dominated.

When the final buzzer sounded, Nichols finished the night with 27 points in which 22 of those were in the second half. He was 8-of-12 from the field and 4-of-7 from the three-point arc after halftime. It was a performance that surprised me because of the way he has played lately. But, I am not shocked he can put up that many points. There were glimpses of this last season.

Illinois could use a hot-handed Nichols off the bench the rest of the season. He is a great player to have as a backup for this Illini team. I hope he can continue his hot hand the rest of the season.

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