Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win vs Iowa

1 of 5

Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) wrestles the ball away from Iowa Hawkeyes forward Keegan Murray (15) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois basketball went into Sunday needing a miracle to win the Big Ten, and we got that miracle.

On Sunday afternoon, Nebraska took down Wisconsin to give the Illini a shot at the Big Ten regular season crown. All Illinois had to do was beat Iowa to take a share of the regular season title.

While the game didn’t start great, it would end in triumph for the Orange and Blue. A missed shot at the end would seal the game for Illinois, 74-72.

Here are five observations from the Illinois basketball win vs Iowa.

1. Big game for Coleman Hawkins

There have been various games this season where the Illinois basketball team entered the matchup extremely shorthanded. On Sunday night, that was the case against Iowa as starter Jacob Grandison was missing.

Grandison was out for the Iowa game with a shoulder injury that he sustained in the Penn State matchup. While I am not sure how long he will be missing, Grandison’s presence is huge for the Orange and Blue. It is hard to replace him. But, on Sunday night, Coleman Hawkins did a great job in his starting spot.

Hawkins has been playing some good basketball off the bench as of late. He has been a great option off the bench, so I am not shocked he did well in the starting role.

Throughout the game, Hawkins was a matchup nightmare for Iowa. He was playing the No. 4 spot at 6-foot-10 and with a wingspan of 7-foot. That is tough to handle. Plus, Hawkins does a good job staying in front of his man.

I know it looks like Keegan Murray had a good game with 22 points, but he didn’t shoot well for the Hawkeyes. Murray was just 7-of-22 from the field and 2-of-7 from three-point. Any player in college can score 22 points on 22 shots.

Hawkins was the main reason Murray couldn’t be an efficient scorer for Iowa. He was on him for what seemed like the entire night. That type of defense is what will help carry Illinois deep in the NCAA tournament.

Stat-wise, Hawkins was sensational all-round. He finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. He was 3-of-5 from the field and hit one of his two three-pointers. Overall, I loved what this kid brought to the court. He had a big game when Illinois needed him the most.

Home/Illinois Basketball