Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Missouri

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Illinois basketball is entering the annual Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri on Wednesday night.

This is a game that has haunted the Illini for the past few seasons. The Tigers seem to have Illinois’ number, but times have changed and so have the rosters. This should be a completely different game than in recent history.

Illinois is poised to move to 9-3 on the year, but they can’t look past Missouri. This is going to be a tough game. There are some things I will be keeping an eye on in this game as well.

Here are four big questions for the Illinois basketball team against Missouri.

1. Can Illinois win the rebounding battle?

Illinois is coming into the Missouri game as one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to rebounding the basketball.

As of right now, the Illini average 43.5 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 3 in the country. They are only behind Arizona and Kentucky in this department. But Illinois was also a good rebounding team last season, averaging 40 rebounds per game and ranking No. 11 in the country.

Despite rebounding the ball well in 2020-21, the Illini went into the Braggin’ Rights game last year and was dominated on the glass. Illinois only managed 26 rebounds while the Tigers pulled down 35 rebounds on the night. This was one of the main reasons Missouri came out on top by three points.

I am going to be watching to see if Illinois can correct their mistakes from last season’s game against Missouri. Can the Illini win the rebounding battle?

A worry of mine is the fact Missouri has their leading rebounder from the game last year back on the roster. Kobe Brown played 22 minutes and pulled down eight rebounds. He is back this season and is putting up some great numbers. Brown is currently averaging 15 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

Besides Brown, Missouri does have a lack of size this season. I think Kofi Cockburn should be able to have his way in the paint. But this is going to be more about our guards and forwards crashing the glass. We need a team effort when it comes to rebounding. That is something to keep an eye on.

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