Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini victory over Iowa

2. Illinois controlled the paint

To say Kofi Cockburn had a great game would be an understatement.  The sophomore big man was dominating the paint right off the bat, as he would score four of the Illini’s first six points of the contest by seemingly just bullying the Hawkeyes.

Cockburn’s first half dominance ended up being a theme in the game, as 13 of the Illini’s first 26 points of the contest came down low from the big man.  These 13 points comprised of three dunks and three lay-ups, one of those lay-ups being a converted and-one.  During this stretch, Cockburn shot 6-of-7 from the floor. He would also finish the night leading all scorers with 26 points.

The Illini would ultimately outscore the Hawkeyes in the paint in the opening half, scoring 22 points under the basket compared to Iowa’s 10 points in the first half.

Overall, the Illini outrebounded the Hawkeyes 42-35 in the contest.  This includes a 9-6 Illini advantage in the offensive rebounding category.

Cockburn played a large part in this feat, recording eight rebounds.  Illinois senior guard Da’Monte Williams, however, would lead the team in rebounding by coming away with nine boards in the game. Guards Andre Curbelo and Ayo Dosunmu both finished with seven rebounds apiece.

The Orange and Blue also had the advantage in the shot-blocking cabinet, blocking six Iowa shot attempts.  Frazier and Williams led the Illini in the blocking category, both recording two blocks in the game. Iowa would only come away with three blocks as a team.