Illinois basketball: 3 ways the Illini can take down Ohio State
By Jalen Wilson
1. Alan Griffin and Trent Frazier need to shoot efficiently
Alan Griffin and Trent Frazier are Illinois’ best shooters. Both players can light it up from the field on any given night. They both could also go cold on any given night. I believe Illinois can’t afford to have Griffin or Frazier have a cold shooting night on Thursday.
The Buckeyes are a good defensive team. Ohio State is No. 18 in the nation in opponent points per game, as they only allow an average of 64 PPG. Their opponents average 33.3-percent from three-point range, which ranks at No.171 in the nation. But in their last three games, they have forced their opponents to shoot just 28.2-percent from three-point range.
Why I chose Griffin and Frazier out of all of the players on the team is that they are the most consistent three-point shooters on the team. I also chose them because both players had an off night against Indiana on Sunday.
Against the Hoosiers, Frazier shot 0-of-2 from the field and only scored two points. I think he will have to score more on Thursday. Griffin shot 2-of-6 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range. Their shooting will be important because the Fighting Illini only shot 4-of-12 from distance.
Griffin and Frazier’s shooting will be key for this game as they are Illinois’ best threats from the perimeter. If they are hitting, then we should be fine.