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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Missouri

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Da'Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass the ball in the game against the Jackson State Tigers at State Farm Center on November 09, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Da'Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks to pass the ball in the game against the Jackson State Tigers at State Farm Center on November 09, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Dec 11, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) shoots the ball during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Does Illinois overwhelm Missouri with three-pointers?

Something I have witnessed this season is the complete dominance by the Illinois basketball team from the three-point arc. We are hitting the deep shots with relative ease, and it has helped us win some games.

Illinois is one of the most prolific three-point shooting teams in college basketball. We are averaging 26.5 three-point shots per game, which ranks No. 44 in the nation. The best part about taking that many three-point shots is the fact we are hitting them at a clip of 39%, which ranks No. 16 in the country.

The Illini didn’t have this three-point shooting power last season, though. Against Missouri, Illinois was only 3-of-13 from three-point range, which is 23.1%. That shouldn’t happen again.

In six of the past seven games, Illinois has hit at least 11 three-point shots in each contest. The only time they didn’t was against UT Rio Grande Valley when they only hit eight three-point shots.

So, on Wednesday night, I will be watching to see if Illinois can continue hitting their three-pointers at a high clip. We failed to convert from distance the last time around, but we have more firepower now. Alfonso Plummer is leading the charge in the three-point department.

I also believe Jacob Grandison is a vital part of the three-point brigade. He has hit 50% of his three-pointers this season. Trent Frazier is also coming on strong from behind the three-point arc.

Illinois has the talent to shoot Missouri right out of the building. This is something to keep an eye on against the Tigers.

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