Illinois Basketball: 5 things the Illini need to fix before the Iowa game

3. Fouls

Developing an understanding about when to play aggressively and when not to is crucial in winning the fouling battle. Illinois has not been on the positive end of the foul situation too many times this season, though.

Fouls have actually been a hindrance to the Orange and Blue. They are currently averaging 18.3 fouls per game, which ranks No. 211 in the nation. That is a lot of fouls given to the other team, and that means the other team will be shooting more free throws.

Thanks to Illinois fouling at a high rate, their opponents are shooting more free throws. In fact, Illinois’ opponents are averaging 19.1 free throw attempts per game this season, which ranks No. 198 in the nation.

There hasn’t been one major culprit in the foul department, but as a collective unit, we are fouling at a high clip. This has killed us in some games this season.

In the loss to No. 2 Baylor, Illinois had four more fouls and the result was the Bears getting to the free throw line eight more times in the game. Against Rutgers, the Illini had nine more fouls and the Scarlet Knights were able to get to the charity stripe 21 more times than Illinois in that game. We only lost by three points.

Fouls have been a factor in various games this season and have changed the direction of some potential victories. There needs to be a better focus on playing smarter. We need our talent on the floor, and we can’t continue losing the free throw battle.