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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win vs Iowa

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alfonso Plummer (11) signals a three-point shot he made during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alfonso Plummer (11) signals a three-point shot he made during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Keegan Murray (15) grabs the arm of Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) as he goes to the basket during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Keegan Murray (15) grabs the arm of Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) as he goes to the basket during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kofi Cockburn put the team on his back

I would make an argument that the game on Sunday night was one of the top five biggest games for the Illinois basketball team in the past decade. That is how big of a game it was for the program.

When there are big games like this, big-time players should step up in the big-time spot. Illinois’ best player did just that. Kofi Cockburn showed up in a big way and put the Orange and Blue on his back.

It was going to be hard for Kofi to top the first game he played against Iowa this season. He would finish that victory with 17 points and 18 rebounds on 6-of-12 shooting from the field. That is an outstanding showing and one that is tough to match.

But, on Sunday, Kofi didn’t just match that effort, he exceeded it. Kofi would finish the game with 21 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists while hitting 9-of-17 from the floor. He was a physical presence that couldn’t be stopped on the inside.

It truly is amazing the numbers Kofi has put up this season in big spots. Against the co-Big Ten regular season champion, Wisconsin, Kofi dropped 37 points and 12 rebounds. He has had four 20-point games in the last six contests. On Sunday night, he continued his tear with his 15th double-double of the season.

Kofi took part in the senior day ceremonies on Sunday night. That signals to me that he is probably done in an Illinois jersey. I am going to cherish every game he has played for the Illini. He is the best big man I have ever seen in Champaign.

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