Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Northwestern

2. Two different halves, two completely different teams

Illinois looked like two completely different teams in the two halves of basketball that were played in last night’s contest.

The Illini’s offense struggled to get anything going versus the Northwestern zone defense, as they would just dribble and pass the ball around, struggling to get up a shot attempt before the shot clock hit zero.  This would lead them to shoot a putrid 8-of-23 from the floor in the half.  Illinois was also making careless decisions with the ball, committing an absurd total of 11 turnovers in the first half.

Illinois’ defense would eventually break down, as well, allowing the Wildcats to go on an 11-2 run to take a 15-point lead to close out the first half. That lead would not last long, however.

The Fighting Illini came out of the half a completely different team.  After a first half where they were constantly turning the ball over, the Orange and Blue made it a priority to take care of the ball, as they would commit only three turnovers in the second half.

Illinois would also drastically improve their defense in the second half.  Playing lockdown defense, the Illini were face-guarding their men, fighting for loose balls, and were quick to close out on Northwestern’s shooters.  The Illini would hold the Wildcats to only two total successful field goal attempts in the half.

The Orange and Blue would ultimately outscore Northwestern 53-13 in the latter half.  This includes a stretch where the Illini would go on a 17-0 run.  This electric second half of basketball played by the Illini would end up making history.

According to stats by STATS, Illinois became the first team to outscore a major conference opponent by 40+ points in a single half since March 5, 2003. The Illini also became the only Division 1 team in the last 25 years to win by 20+ points despite trailing by 15 at halftime, according to the same source.