Illinois Basketball: 4 keys for the Illini to beat the Northwestern Wildcats

2. Let’s try to win the turnover battle

Honestly, we are a pretty sloppy program. The Illini turn the ball over at a below-average frequency, which has resulted in teams being in games they really shouldn’t have been in.

Through 19 games this season, Illinois is averaging 13.5 turnovers per contest, which ranks No. 183 in the nation. That is below the national average. I feel like a Brad Underwood-led team should be a little better with the ball. It seems like that is something he would care about greatly.

Against Northwestern the first time around, the Illini were reckless with the basketball. It was mainly the first half that inflated the numbers, but that is a part of the game too. In the first half alone, the Illini lost the turnover battle 11-4 against the Wildcats. That is right, Illinois almost hit their season average in the first half.

A completely different team came out in the second half, though. Illinois only had four turnovers and barnstormed the Wildcats. But, when it was all said and done, the Illini still lost the turnover battle 15-13.

I feel like Illinois can combat bad shooting with great defense. But there are a couple of things that kill teams regardless of what else is going on. One of those things is turnovers. If we can just win the turnover battle against the Wildcats on Tuesday, this game shouldn’t even be close.