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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against UT Rio Grande Valley

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Andre Curbelo #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at State Farm Center on November 12, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Andre Curbelo #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at State Farm Center on November 12, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves forward Antwon Jackson (50) drives the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) in the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves forward Antwon Jackson (50) drives the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) in the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Do we have to be a foul machine?

There have been various times this season where Illinois managed to get themselves into foul trouble. These fouls have resulted in players having to sit or the opposing team shooting free throws.

The sloppy play by the Illini has them ranked as one of the worst teams in the country in fouls. Illinois is currently averaging 18 fouls per game, which ranks No. 212 out of 358 teams in college basketball. That is in the bottom half of the nation.

Most of the time, the Illini are going to win the foul battle. Illinois has a 7-foot big man in Kofi Cockburn, so he is going to be fouled frequently. But Illinois has had multiple games this season with 18 fouls, and in the one-point Marquette loss, the Illini had 24 fouls. This was a huge reason we came out with a loss.

I need to see the Orange and Blue be a little smarter when it comes to fouling. I am not saying I don’t want any fouls but averaging 18 fouls per game is just too many.

Let’s be more concise and clean when it comes to the foul department. Our season-low in fouls is 14 fouls against Jackson State. I want to challenge this program to have fewer than that against UT Rio Grande Valley. I want to see somewhere between 10-12 fouls in this game.

Playing a smarter brand of basketball is what I am looking for. The past slide about turnovers goes hand-in-hand with this slide. I know this Illini program has what it takes to play a good clean game. I am going to be watching for that on Friday night.

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