Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from Illini win over Minnesota

Dec 15, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and the bench celebrates during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and the bench celebrates during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
Nov 25, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Adam Miller (44) goes up for a shot against North Carolina A&T Aggies forward Jeremy Robinson (1) during the first half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Adam Miller had a much-needed second half

The highest-rated recruit for the Fighting Illini’s class of 2020 has struggled to get shots falling since his 28-point debut vs. North Carolina A&T.

After starting the year with a 6-of-8 (75-percent) three-point outing during his debut, Adam Miller’s three-point percentage had decreased to 37.9-percent on the year going into last night’s contest.  He tends to take highly contested forced shots that have a very low percentage of going in the basket.

Miller started off the game shooting just 1-of-6 from the arc and it appeared as if the freshman’s struggles were only going to continue.  He did not let that happen, however, as Miller appeared to find his shot in the second half where he shot 3-of-4 (75-percent) from behind the arc.  Miller finished the night as the team’s second-highest scorer with 14 points in the contest.

Miller could very well build off of his solid second half and get things turned around this season. He has proven to be a very special and talented player throughout his entire high school career and his collegiate debut.  This kid has a bright future ahead and will look to continue to build on his momentum at Rutgers this upcoming Sunday.