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

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Feb 6, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Tyler Wahl (5) protects the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) attempts the steal during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Second half defense for all 40 minutes

The first game between Illinois and Northwestern was the weirdest display of basketball I have ever seen. The Illini came out extremely cold and could have lost to anyone in the country.

In the second half, though, Illinois played at a level where I believe they could have beaten anyone in the country. Their defense in the second half was the stuff of legend, but we need that defense for all 40 minutes this time around.

Illinois’ defense allowed Northwestern to go 16-of-30 from the field in the first half of the first game. This comes out to 53-percent. They were hitting everything, especially towards halftime when the lead expanded to 15 points.

The Wildcats couldn’t sustain, though. Illinois’ defense was again too tough. They held the Wildcats to 2-of-25 shooting in the second half, which comes out to a total of 8-percent from the field. That is an insane number that I am not sure I will ever see again.

All I am asking is that we meet somewhere in the middle with the Illini defense. Let’s not give up 53-percent shooting in the first half. I also realize 8-percent isn’t realistic either. How about this, let’s hold Northwestern to somewhere around 35-percent shooting from the field. This would enable the Illini to win the game going away.

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