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Illinois Basketball: 4 keys for the Illini to beat the Drexel Dragons

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks on Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (1) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks on Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (1) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) hauls in a loose ball as he works against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Jordan Bohannon (3) on Saturday, March 13, 2021, during the men’s Big Ten basketball tournament from Lucas Oil Stadium. Illinois won 82-71 to set up a title game with Ohio State.Iowa Vs Illinois /

The NCAA tournament starts on Friday for the Illinois basketball program, as they take on the Drexel Dragons.

It is finally here. Nearly eight years in the making, but the time is now. The Illini are going to play in the NCAA tournament. This is a big game for the Orange and Blue despite it being against a No. 16 seed. Illinois needs to come out strong in this game.

Here are four keys for the Illini to beat the Drexel Dragons.

1. Tough perimeter defense

Usually, I wouldn’t be worried about a No. 1 seed against a No. 16 seed, but Drexel brings a lot of talent to the table. They are a solid team, and it all starts with their perimeter shooting.

Drexel has the ability to put the ball in the hoop from three-point range. They are currently hitting their deep shots at a clip of 37.2-percent, which ranks No. 38 in the nation. That is an impressive number, but the Dragons don’t take too many three-point shots. They are only putting up 19.5 three-pointers per game.

So, when Drexel does take a three-pointer, there is a solid chance it is going in the hoop. How do we combat that? Solid perimeter defense, of course.

Illinois has played well out on the three-point arc this season. Their opponents are only shooting 32.7-percent from distance, which ranks No. 116 in the nation. What we have here is a good three-point shooting team matching up against a team that has solid perimeter defense.

I have said this many times, as long as Illinois’ guards don’t get lazy around screens and closeout with their hand up, then everything should be fine. The Illini defense has done some great things this season, and I don’t expect Friday to be any different.

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