Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Penn State

It wasn’t easy, but the Illinois basketball team came away with a huge win on Thursday night against Penn State.

The Illini didn’t look great from the start. Despite the Nittany Lions taking a one-point lead into halftime, Illinois managed to battle back to lead by five points with less than 10 minutes to go. Penn State would continue playing well, but conversions at the free throw line by the Illini put the game away. Illinois would win the game, 60-55.

Here are five observations from the Illinois basketball win over Penn State.

1. Kofi’s worst game against Penn State

Coming into the Penn State game on Thursday night, Kofi Cockburn had been dominant against the Nittany Lions. They have never been able to stop the big man, and I was fully expecting him to have another big game.

The previous lows for Kofi against Penn State were 14 points and six rebounds. On Thursday night, he was able to set a new scoring low and tied his rebounding low against the Nittany Lions.

Kofi would finish the game with 11 points, six rebounds, one block, and one steal. He was 4-of-7 from the field and did convert 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

I can’t say I was disappointed with how Kofi played because he was extremely efficient, but he wasn’t his normal dominant self. Even when he isn’t making a ton of shots, Kofi’s presence on the court is invaluable.

Kofi draws so much attention from the opposing defense. He is either double or triple-teamed nearly every play, so that is why he isn’t able to get the ball. In situations like the one against Penn State, Illinois guards need to be driving. When we did drive the ball, the Illini guards had open layups quite often.

The box score doesn’t show the Kofi effect. He is a player who can open up your offense if you use him right. Illinois is starting to figure that out.