Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Baylor

1 of 4

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 02: Brad Underwood the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his team against the Baylor Bears during the Jimmy V Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 02, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

In the biggest game in about 16 years, the Illinois basketball team came up short to the Baylor Bears.

The final score shows Baylor winning by 13 points, but this game was much closer than that. A one-point lead at the half by the Bears would eventually increase in the waning moments as Illinois just couldn’t hit a basket.

Illinois showed they could keep up with one of the best teams in the nation, though. This was a good learning game for the program. At the end of the day, a loss is still a loss. The Illini now move to 3-1 after falling to Baylor 82-69.

Here are four observations from the Illini loss to Baylor.

1. This game was needed for the Illini

Illinois finished the 2019-20 campaign with style beating a ranked Iowa program and getting a top-four seed in the Big Ten Tournament. They were also set to make the NCAA tournament before the pandemic hit.

Most of that Illini team returned with the exception of a few. But, even with some departures, Illinois managed to bring in some veterans and young talent to fill the voids. On paper, this is one of the best Illinois teams I have ever seen.

Through three games this season, the Illini were looking solid. They blew out their first two opponents and then fended off a tough Ohio team. Those games weren’t a good measuring stick on where this program is, though. Illinois’ first three games were supposed to be victories.

On Wednesday night, the Illini were humbled a bit with the defeat to Baylor. Illinois needed this game because it put a light on some of the major deficiencies that we have as a team.

Brad Underwood got a chance to see who can play and who needs help. He can adjust the time on the court and what players fit with what players. This is extremely important. Illinois now heads into a game with UT-Martin on Saturday, and they can make those adjustments for that game.

The Baylor loss on Wednesday night isn’t going to make or break the 2020-21 season. It lets us know where this team is right now and what needs to change. Let’s make the changes and prepare for Duke next week.

Home/Illinois Basketball