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Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Arkansas State

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) runs through the smoke machine as he takes the court with teammates before the start of the first half against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) runs through the smoke machine as he takes the court with teammates before the start of the first half against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) guards Arkansas State Red Wolves guard Marquis Eaton (23) with the ball in the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) guards Arkansas State Red Wolves guard Marquis Eaton (23) with the ball in the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defense is going to carry us

The Illinois basketball team can obviously put up points. Just look at Friday night against Arkansas State. The Illini ended up dropping 92 points in the victory.

But if you watch the games, you will see that while the offense is doing their thing, the Illinois defense is what really sets the tone in each contest.

In game one this season against Jackson State, Illinois managed to force 20 turnovers. This is an impressive number, but it was just the Tigers. Could the Orange and Blue do it in consecutive games and prove that they are that defensive nightmare of a team?

The answer is yes, they can do it in multiple games. Against Arkansas State, Illinois nearly hit the mark set in the Jackson State game. The Illini forced the Red Wolves into 19 turnovers for the game. So, as a team, Illinois is forcing an average of 19.5 turnovers per game this season, which ranks No. 26 in the nation.

Those turnovers led to points. They are a big reason why Illinois is able to score 92 points against Arkansas State.

I haven’t even mentioned the fact Illinois’ defense has held their opponents to under 60 points per game this season. Illinois only gave up 53 points to Arkansas State and 47 points to Jackson State. That means they are giving up an average of 50 points per game, which ranks No. 14 in the nation.

Illinois can put points on the board, but that is not our bread and butter. Our defense is what we are going to be known for this year. As long as we can continue playing great defense, we will be in every game.

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