Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Indiana, again

Feb 2, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) celebrates their victory against Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) celebrates their victory against Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 2, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; IIllinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) bumps fists with coaches after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; IIllinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) bumps fists with coaches after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Trent Frazier stepped up when needed

Illinois’ star player Ayo Dosunmu had a rough night, scoring only 10 points on 2-of-11 shooting from the field.  Dosunmu’s night would come to an abrupt ending after fouling out of the game late in the second half.

The Illini needed somebody to step up. Trent Frazier did just that.

When it looked like the Hoosiers may have been running away with it, up six points with five minutes left, Frazier hit back-to-back three-point shots to tie the game at 64 apiece.

In the following possession, the senior guard would then draw a foul and hit two free-throws to put the Illini up 66-64, single-handedly leading the Orange and Blue on an 8-0 run.

Frazier additionally hit two clutch free throws to put the Illini up by two points with just over 40 seconds remaining in the game.  Indiana, however, would tie the game up to force overtime.

The talented guard would finish the night with an eye-catching stat line of 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.  This includes an impressive four three-pointers for the senior.