Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 4 keys for the Illini to beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights

By Rees Woodcock

Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) turns the ball over against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) and guard Da'Monte Williams (20) during the second half of their game at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on March 6, 2021.Osu Mens Bbk 0306 Kwr 31
Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) turns the ball over against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) and guard Da'Monte Williams (20) during the second half of their game at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on March 6, 2021.Osu Mens Bbk 0306 Kwr 31 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Illinois basketball
Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Adam Miller (44) Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da’Monte Williams (20) celebrate during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois basketball will begin their Big Ten Tournament on Friday against No. 7 seed Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights had an impressive win over Indiana on Thursday, so they are already warmed up and ready to go. This is also a matchup of two teams that have played only once this season. Rutgers managed to get the best of the Illini in the lone game.

This should be a great game and one that Illinois can’t come out cold and expect to win. There are a few things the Illini need to accomplish in this game to get the victory.

Here are four keys for the Illini to beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

1. Someone please guard Ron Harper Jr.

Illinois basketball didn’t lose too many games this season, but one of the few losses was to a tough Rutgers program.

The Scarlet Knights have some decent talent, and they performed well the first time around. The leader for Rutgers in the win over Illinois was Ron Harper Jr.

Harper finished the game with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. He was 9-of-15 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range. The kid was on fire against the Illini, but big numbers is something Harper is used to putting up this season.

Through 24 games, Harper has averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, which are both career highs. He has managed to put up 18 points in seven different games this season as well. One of the keys to beating the Scarlet Knights is simple; stop Harper.

Stopping Harper is easier said than done, though. His 6-foot-6, 245-pound size as a guard is tough to handle. I believe a heavy dose of Da’Monte Williams should do the trick. Illinois was a different team back in December. They have really put the clamps down defensively, and Williams has been one of the biggest contributors to the great defensive effort.

As long as we continue playing the same defense we have been playing the last couple of months, everything should be fine. Look for Harper to have fewer than 15 points on Friday night.

Home/Illinois Basketball