Illinois basketball: 3 things the Illini need to do well against Northwestern

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 23: Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) and Hampton Pirates forward Ben Stanley (14) battle for a rebound during the college basketball game between the Hampton Pirates and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 23, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Win the rebound battle

It is no secret that Illinois is one of the best rebounding teams in the NCAA this season. They have been hitting the glass hard this year compared to last year. Rebounding is a main reason why Illinois is ranked in the top 25.

Illinois ranks at No. 11 in rebounds per game, No. 47 in defensive rebounds per game and No. 15 in offensive rebounds per game this season. They are ranked No. 3 in the nation in rebound margin per game as well.

Kofi Cockburn is a big reason for the great rebounding numbers as he is good at using his body to box out other big men. Illinois is getting big contributions on the boards from the rest of the team too.

Northwestern struggles at rebounding as they rank No. 228 in the nation in rebounds per game. Illinois should have a field day when it comes to crashing the glass. The team that usually rebounds the best usually wins the game. Illinois rebounds and boxes out pretty well, so we should be able to keep the Wildcats off of the glass.

If Illinois is able to rebound the ball well, then they have a good chance to win. More rebounds will equal more opportunities to score in transition, which is an area the Illini excel in. I believe we will have to win the rebounding battle on Saturday.

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