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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Ohio State

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois center Kofi Cockburn (21) is introduced before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 031 Jpg
Illinois center Kofi Cockburn (21) is introduced before a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 031 Jpg /
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Illinois basketball
Mar 6, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) and Ohio State Buckeyes forward E.J. Liddell (32) jump for the opening tip-off at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Will Illinois be able to slow down EJ Liddell?

When EJ Liddell decided to commit to Ohio State instead of Illinois, it hurt. I wanted this kid with the Orange and Blue. He has proven to be a really good player for the Buckeyes.

Liddell is currently having his best season in Columbus. He is averaging 19.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. Those are incredible numbers, but they are about on par for what he has done to the Illini over the years.

During his time with the Buckeyes, Liddell has played in four games against the Illini. In the four games, he has averaged 18.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. Those are pretty good numbers, and Illinois hasn’t been able to figure out how to slow down the talented forward.

So, a big question remains. Will Illinois be able to slow down Liddell on Thursday? This is going to be a tough task.

Ohio State relies so much on Liddell to put up big numbers. He is their go-to guy, so if we can stop him then we stop the Buckeyes.

Illinois hasn’t had a good defensive option to put against Liddell over the years either. He is a 6-foot-7 forward, and the best defensive players for the Illini consist of smaller guards. I could see multiple Illinois players getting a shot at Liddell on Thursday. Hopefully, we can find a good rotation to help contain the talented forward.

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