Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over St. Francis (PA)

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Dec 18, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) hugs teammate Da’Monte Williams (20) during the second half against the Saint Francis Red Flash at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois basketball was entering Saturday coming off a tough loss to No. 11 Arizona just a week prior.

This was a brutal loss in the fact that the Illini could easily have won the game. But the Wildcats got the better of us and came out ahead. Sadly, for St. Francis (PA), they had to feel the brunt of the Illinois anger from that Arizona loss.

Illinois came out hot and never looked back. St. Francis (PA) didn’t have an answer for any of the Illini stars, and this game got out of hand quickly. By the final horn, the Illini had won the game, 106-48.

Here are four observations from the Illinois basketball win over St. Francis (PA).

1. Kofi strikes again

Coming into the game, Illinois was known for having one of the best big men in the country. Once again, Kofi Cockburn proved that statement to be a fact.

The 7-foot, 285-pound big man entered the St. Francis (PA) game averaging 21.4 points and 12 rebounders per contest. In the seven games he had played this season, Kofi has had a double-double in five of those contests.

On Saturday, Kofi continued his dominance with another double-double under his belt. He finished the game against St. Francis (PA) with 21 points and 11 rebounds, both of which led the team. Kofi was 9-of-11 from the floor and 3-of-5 from the charity stripe as well.

This was the game I expected Kofi to end up with coming into the weekend. St. Francis (PA) clearly didn’t have an answer for him as their best big man is a thinner 6-foot-10 guy. So, naturally, Kofi had the size advantage.

Throughout the game, Kofi proved why he is one of the best big men in the country. He scored with ease. He was smart with the basketball. St. Francis (PA) would throw three players at Kofi, but he wouldn’t just lower his shoulder and get a charge. Instead, he would pass the ball out and get the ball moving on the perimeter. This led to multiple open three-point shots.

I think the most impressive thing Kofi has changed with his game this season is his basketball knowledge. He was a bull in a china shop the past couple of seasons, now he is a refined big man with solid passing ability.

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