Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

2. Illinois can survive an “off night” from Plummer

For the most part, the 2021-22 campaign has been going well for the Illinois basketball program. We have three losses, but one of those defeats came without Kofi Cockburn on the floor.

A big reason the Illini are playing so well is the fact Alfonso Plummer has joined the team. He has played a pivotal role since transferring in from Utah. Seven out of the last nine games, Plummer has scored at least 20 points. He has been extremely hot from three-point range as well shooting 43.3% from deep.

On Tuesday night, Plummer had his first “off night” in a while. He finished the Minnesota game with 10 points and five rebounds while hitting 3-of-8 from the field. Plummer was 0-of-3 from three-point range, though.

What is amazing is the fact this is an off night for Plummer. Putting up 10 points and five rebounds is a solid game for just about anyone else, but Plummer’s game has been elevated so high to the point I expect a 20-point game out of him every night.

The thing that gives me the most peace of mind is that Illinois can win without Plummer having to put up a 20-spot. He can have a game where he isn’t going off and the Illini can come away with a victory. Illinois didn’t just beat Minnesota, they smoked them by 23 points without Plummer playing well.

Illinois has come so far since the start of the season. This isn’t the same team that we saw a month or two ago. The Illini can survive a Plummer off night and still come out with a road Big Ten win. Look out college basketball.