Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 11: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alan Griffin (0) reacts after a play during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2020, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Griffin does the other things

The rise of Alan Griffin has been fun to watch. Many fans thought this kid was going to be a big piece to the puzzle, but it took a while for him to break out of the bench.

This season, we have been accustomed to Griffin putting up big numbers in the points department. He had hit double-digit points in five out of the last six games, and he has been shooting lights out from the field and three-point arc. This game was different, though.

Like much of the Illinois basketball team, Griffin just couldn’t get anything going on offense. He was terrible for most of the game. He finished the day shooting 1-of-9 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range. That one made shot was a big one late in the game.

Despite the shooting woes for Griffin, he was a huge reason we won this game. He does the other things in the game. He doesn’t just rely on his scoring. That is why he is such a crucial player moving forward.

Griffin finished the Rutgers game with 3 points and 8 rebounds. He had four offensive rebounds, which gives the Illini another chance to score during a trip down the court. He led the team in offensive rebounds, tied with Kofi Cockburn.

The energy and toughness Griffin brings the table is what I love about him too. He is someone who pushes this Illinois team over the top. The future is bright for him.

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