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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Ohio State

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 24: Cedric Russell #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives to the basket against Alfonso Plummer #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at State Farm Center on February 24, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 24: Cedric Russell #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives to the basket against Alfonso Plummer #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at State Farm Center on February 24, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Feb 24, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts off the bench during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Underwood was ejected from the game in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts off the bench during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Underwood was ejected from the game in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Now to seal up the double-bye

The loss to Ohio State on Thursday night was painful on the surface. Losing any games down the stretch is tough. But this loss creates bigger waves throughout the Big Ten.

With the loss to the Buckeyes, Illinois’ path to the Big Ten regular season title is much more difficult. We do still mathematically have a shot at winning the regular season, but that means we have to win out and Purdue has to drop one of their final three games.

At this point in the game, I am just wanting to seal up the double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. I think that is pretty close to happening. The top four teams in the conference get the double-bye.

Illinois is two games clear of Rutgers for the double-bye spot. If we win two out of our next three games, then we are in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament. That is how we can seal that up.

I was really wanting to win the Big Ten regular season title this year. I am not giving up full hope that we still clinch it, but it is unlikely. Let’s just seal up the double-bye and focus on winning back-to-back Big Ten Tournament titles.

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