Illinois Basketball: 4 keys for the Illini to beat Minnesota

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Nov 26, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) goes up for a shot as Chicago State Cougars forward Kalil Whitehead (11) commits a fouls during the first half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Win the Kofi vs Liam matchup

One of the best players on the Illinois basketball team is Kofi Cockburn. The 7-foot big man has people in awe when he steps foot on the court. But Minnesota has a solid big man of their own.

Liam Robbins is suiting up for the Gophers this season. The 7-foot junior transferred in from Drake this offseason and was eligible to play immediately. While with the Bulldogs, Robbins was coming into his own.

As a sophomore, the Davenport, Iowa native averaged 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. With his great numbers at Drake, Robbins decided to take his talents to the big leagues and decided to transfer to Minnesota.

In the six games with the Gophers, Robbins’ production is about the same. He is averaging 12.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Granted, these numbers have come against Drake-level competition. The only power-five program he has played is Boston College, and Robbins had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block.

Kofi hasn’t played well this season, especially against opposing players his size. While his numbers of 14 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game look good, there is just something a little off with his game right now.

On Tuesday night, Kofi is going to need to get his game together. He is going up against the best big man he will face until the Iowa matchup. This will be a good primer for the big man. If Kofi can outbattle Robbins, then I think Illinois comes away with a big victory in their first Big Ten game of the season.

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