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

4. Perimeter Defense

Overall, Illinois is a pretty solid team defensively. They are in the top one-third of the nation in points allowed per game, but there is some improvement that could be made on the defensive side of the court.

The biggest area of improvement is with the perimeter defense. Illinois, while solid everywhere else on defense, struggles against teams from outside. Their opponents are shooting 33.6-percent from three-point range this season, which ranks No. 183 in the nation. That is below average.

Some of the losses Illinois has had this season are due to the three-point arc. Baylor hit 38.9-percent of their three-pointers. Rutgers was 40-percent from long range. Maryland also hit their three-pointers at a clip of 40-percent. And, lastly, Ohio State hit a ridiculous 52.4-percent of their three-point shots.

What can be done to fix the three-point defensive issues?

There are two things that stick out to me when Illinois is playing defense. The first is the defensive closeout. When the opposing team does kick the ball out for a three-pointer, Illinois’ defense is lazy getting to the man. When they do closeout, there isn’t a hand up.

Another thing I want to point out is working around screens. We go under screens far too many times. This enables the three-point shooter to get space and hit the deep shot. Illinois’ defenders need to work through screens and not around them. When they can’t, then there needs to be communication and a switch. This isn’t happening enough.

Illinois needs to get better with their perimeter defense. If they can start holding opponents to a lower shooting percentage from deep, then we will continue winning games.