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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over UNLV

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 27: Andres Feliz #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on November 27, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 27: Andres Feliz #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on November 27, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. The Illinois bench was huge on Saturday

I have really been down on the Illinois bench lately. They haven’t produced points or much of any other stat the past few games. On Saturday, though, the bench came through and was the main reason we won the game against UNLV.

The leader off the bench was Andres Feliz. This kid showed why he was such a coveted junior college transfer get this past offseason. He ended the night with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and even knocked down a three-pointer. He also added two rebounds, two assists and a steal to the mix as well. He was truly sensational.

One surprising, yet not so surprising, contributor off the bench was Samba Kane. He was the backup No. 5 on the team against UNLV and showed why he was a great get by Brad Underwood. He finished the night with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting. He also had two blocks. He was athletic and smart on the floor. Illinois needed his presence against the Runnin’ Rebels.

Alan Griffin also had a good night. He didn’t put in the points, finishing the night with two points on 1-of-3 shooting, but he was a contributor in other areas. He added three rebounds, three blocks, an assist and a steal to the mix. He was what we needed off the bench too.

Illinois wouldn’t have won this game if it wasn’t for their bench. The backups came through tonight. We need this every night if we want to make a run.

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