Illinois Basketball: 4 keys for the Illini to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes

2. Ohio State goes as EJ Liddell goes

The Buckeyes have a pretty good team this season. While they have hit a bit of a rough patch recently, Ohio State has a ton of firepower that is scary.

EJ Liddell is one of those impressive players. The Illinois native has put up some great numbers this season and is a future NBA Draft pick. This season alone, he is averaging 15.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

In the first game against the Illini, Liddell had his best night of the year. The sophomore was feeling it in the victory over Illinois. He went for 26 points and 7 rebounds on 10-of-16 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range.

This great game for Liddell wasn’t just a solid outing. It was his highest-scoring performance of the year by three points. He got hot at the right time, and Illinois just happened to be the team on the other end to receive the punishment.

What is the solution to cool down Liddell? He is a weird matchup for the Illini. We don’t have anyone who is more of a traditional forward with 6-foot-7 size like Liddell. Illinois plays more of a four-guard, one-big, type of game. That is the problem here.

I think we have to put the bulldog, Da’Monte Williams, on the case. He should be able to get aggressive with Liddell and give him headaches all game long. Communication will be key too. We must communicate in transition, so Ohio State doesn’t get easy baskets. As long as we can contain Liddell to 17 points or less, then I think we are golden.