Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Ohio State

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 09: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andres Feliz (10) gets a hand on Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Eugene Omoruyi (5) during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 9, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.(Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. The defense really came through

This season hasn’t exactly been good when it comes to defense. The Illini have struggled greatly at times with defending opposing teams. On Thursday night, though, this was a different Illinois program.

Illinois is actually one of the worst teams in the nation when it comes to points per game allowed. They are giving up 74.8 PPG, which ranks No. 237 in the nation. This isn’t a good stat. But, something changed against Ohio State.

The Illini only ended up allowing 56 points against the Buckeyes. Ohio State went 17-of-47 from the field, which is 36.2-percent. They were also 2-of-13 from the three-point arc and had 18 turnovers as well. This was an all-around great defensive game by Illinois.

Illinois only has one game this season where they have given up fewer points and that was to East Tennessee State back on December 15. The Illini won this game 73-55. Only giving up 56 points to anyone in the Big Ten is impressive, but holding Ohio State to that few points on the road is nothing short of amazing.

I was happy with what I saw against the Buckeyes. This Illinois team really buckled down on defense and it showed with a big road conference victory.

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