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

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and guard Jacob Grandison (3) celebrate a play against Michigan during the first half Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.illinois basketball happy michigan sad
Illinois guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and guard Jacob Grandison (3) celebrate a play against Michigan during the first half Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.illinois basketball happy michigan sad /
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 27: Andre Curbelo #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks the ball in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 27, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Let Curbelo do his thing

On Tuesday against Michigan, Illinois basketball fans got to see Andre Curbelo at work. This kid got his chance to shine with more minutes than usual, and he impressed everyone.

Curbelo finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists against the Wolverines. This was his best game of the season in the biggest moment of the season. I believe letting Curbelo do his thing against Ohio State is going to be important in getting the victory on Saturday as well.

In the last game against the Buckeyes, Curbelo wasn’t much of a factor. He finished the contest with just 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 12 minutes of action. We needed more out of him, but he couldn’t get in the flow of the game.

Let’s get Curbelo off the bench early and often. I am not saying we should start him because he is the sparkplug we need coming off the bench. But I think getting him somewhere around 20 minutes will help this program continue to win games.

When Curbelo has the ball, defenses don’t know what to do. He causes chaos because he penetrates the defense and makes players collapse. This enables Curbelo to either put it up at the hoop or dish it off to an open man so the ball can rotate for an easy three-pointer.

Getting Curbelo involved in the game and letting him do his thing will get the win for the Illini against Ohio State. They didn’t get a full dose the last time around. We should let this kid run wild.

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