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Illinois Basketball: Matchups and how the Illini can beat Ohio State

By Rees Woodcock

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)
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) /
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The Illinois basketball team has now won two straight games and are looking for a third in a row against Ohio State.

Coming into the season, I thought this game against the Buckeyes would have been easier. They had a few guys transfer and their head coach – Thad Matta – left the program. But, the team hasn’t missed a stride and they are now 19-5 overall and 10-1 in Big Ten play while also being ranked No. 17 in the nation.

Ohio State and Illinois are actually pretty similar in scoring this season. The Buckeyes are a tad above the Illini averaging 77.5 points per game compared to Illinois’ 77 PPG. Both teams are also similar in how they get the ball through the hoop as well.

Illinois isn’t a high-powered three-point shooting team only shooting 21.5 three-pointers per game compared to Ohio State’s 19.4. There isn’t much of a difference there. Both teams rely on their guard play or they send the ball inside.

Ohio State isn’t a big team, but they do rebound well. They average 36.9 rebounds per game which ranks No. 88 in the nation. This isn’t too much better than Illinois, though. The Illini are averaging 35.1 RPG which ranks No. 180 in the nation.

The Buckeyes are a slightly better rebounding team with their forwards and guards, but when it comes down to it, I think containing Keita Bates-Diop is going to be the key to beating Ohio State.

Bates-Diop is the Buckeye’s 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward from Normal, Illinois. He has been incredible this season averaging 19.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Illinois needs to find a way to stop him in this game. I am thinking Leron Black should be matched up against him. Another scenario is having Kipper Nichols against Bates-Diop. Nichols is quicker than Black, and he might be able to cause more problems for the Buckeyes.

Stopping Bates-Diop is going to be the main priority for the Illini but, honestly, their entire starting lineup is dangerous. They have a pretty good team. Jae’Sean Tate is a weird matchup for Illini players. He is a bulkier wing guy. I think I would put Mark Alstork on him just because he is more physical.

The Illini guards shouldn’t have a tough time with the Ohio State starting No. 1 and No. 2 guards. What will probably end up happening is Michael Finke will take Kaleb Wesson, Black on Bates-Diop, Nichols on Tate, Alstork on Kam Williams and Trent Frazier will be on CJ Jackson. This is likely how the matchups will go.

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Illinois needs to focus on containing Bates-Diop. They can’t play to Ohio State’s game. That is something the previous regime would do. Focus on the good inside-out game that they played against Rutgers. Use Leron Black all-night long. Don’t fall in love with the three-point shot. Focus on these things and I think we can beat Ohio State. They are a beatable team, but the Illini need to be on their best game.

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