Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini win over Purdue

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 05: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) look on during a free throw during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 5, 2020, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. The Illinois defense was amazing

Honestly, there is not one area or player who let me down on Sunday night. This was one of the most complete games I have seen the Illini play in years. But one area that really stood out to me was defense.

Under Brad Underwood, I haven’t seen a great defensive performance from the Illini until Sunday night. We only gave up 37 points against a Purdue team that was ranked to start the season. Giving up 37 points to any team is impressive, let alone another Big Ten opponent.

Purdue didn’t have a single player score in double figures in the game either. Their leading scorer was Sasha Stefanovic, who finished the night with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. He only shot 33-percent from the field too.

Illinois was able to hold Purdue to 25-percent shooting from the field and 17.6-percent from three-point range. The Boilermaker’s bench was cold as ice as well. They were a combined 2-of-17 from the field and 1-of-10 from three-point range. Their bench had a total of 5 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist on the night.

Overall, this was a great, almost legendary, defensive performance by the Illinois basketball team. We only allowed 37 points and absolutely shut down the Boilermakers in every facet of the game. If we can keep up this defense, then I think we can go far this season.

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