Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Michigan

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 10: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the ball as Zavier Simpson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines knocks the ball loose during the first half at State Farm Center on January 10, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. It was nice to see some players wake up

There have been a few players struggling lately for this Illinois basketball team. We needed these players to start waking up and they did that on Thursday night against Michigan.

Kipper Nichols was one of those players. He finally came alive in what was a solid performance. He ended the game with nine points, four rebounds and four assists on 4-of-10 shooting from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point land. He also had one block and one steal as well.

Nichols has been struggling lately. In the prior four games, he had scored 7, 4, 2 and 8 points. He was also a combined 9-of-35 from the field as well. His game had gone down a bad road, but he was solid against Michigan. I look for him to continue to improve throughout the season.

Trent Frazier was the other player who really stepped up last night. He has been in a slump lately as well but broke out of it during the Michigan game. He ended the night with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. He was 5-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from the three-point arc. I would like his turnovers to be lower, but it was nice to see his shooting get back to normal.

Projected Illini starting lineup with Kofi Cockburn. dark. Next

These two players are going to be important moving forward. Illinois can win some games if they are clicking.

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