Illinois Basketball: 4 keys for the Illini to beat Wisconsin

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Feb 25, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) goes up for a shot against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Derrick Walker (13) during the second half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois basketball continues their crazy schedule for the 2020-21 season with a game on the road against No. 23 Wisconsin.

This is going to be a tough test for the Illini considering the Badgers are ranked, it is at the Kohl Center and Illinois will be without Ayo Dosunmu again. With that being said, I have faith in this team. I think we can pull together to win another game.

Here are four keys for the Illini to beat the Wisconsin Badgers.

1. Kofi continues rolling

I have said it plenty of times, and I will say it again. Kofi Cockburn is the best center Illinois has had in my lifetime. This kid is special, and we should enjoy his presence while it lasts.

One way to continue beating Wisconsin is if Kofi continues being Kofi. It is that simple, really. Just two days ago, Kofi led a shorthanded Illinois bunch to a win over Nebraska by 16 points. In this victory, the big man put up 24 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block while going 8-of-10 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free throw line.

This was easily one of Kofi’s best games this season. Another great game the Jamaican Sensation had was the first time around against Wisconsin. In years past, it seemed that the Badgers had Illinois’ number. We couldn’t beat them on a consistent basis. But, with Kofi in the paint, victories have come a lot easier.

Kofi ended the first game against Wisconsin with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 1 block. He hit 10-of-13 from the field as well. They had zero answers for the big man.

If Illinois can get Kofi going again, then the 15-point thumping that happened back on February 6 should happen again on Saturday. That is my hope.

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