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Illinois Basketball: 3 things to watch for in the Illini game against UCLA

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 20, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call in the first half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call in the first half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 14: Myles Ruth #24 of the Monmouth Hawks looks to pass while guarded by Jayden Epps #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on November 14, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 14: Myles Ruth #24 of the Monmouth Hawks looks to pass while guarded by Jayden Epps #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on November 14, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Will Illinois be able to slow down UCLA’s three-point shooting

I have been extremely impressed with Illinois’ defensive abilities this season. I don’t know why I am surprised by the great defensive effort considering this is a Brad Underwood-led team.

So far, through three games, Illinois has been one of the best defensive teams in the country despite being, essentially, a brand-new team. We are only giving up 56.7 points per game, which ranks No. 32 in the nation.

A big reason for the low-scoring output from our opponents is the fact Illinois is shutting teams down from the perimeter. But, on Friday night, the Illini will be going up against one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. That is why I am going to be watching to see if Illinois can slow down UCLA’s three-point shooters.

As of Thursday, the Illini are only allowing opponents to shoot 23.1% from three-point range. That is quite impressive considering it ranks No. 34 in the country. A big reason for Illinois’ great defensive play on the perimeter is the fact everyone is good at defending.

Skyy Clark can body players up on the three-point arc and keep up with them when they try to drive. I love Terrence Shannon Jr.’s effort defensively as well. We aren’t lazy getting around screens. Our second rotation is great on the defensive end of the court. There isn’t a drop-off when they come in. Everyone on the team closes out on their man on the three-point arc with arms up as well.

UCLA is going to be a completely different animal than in the first three games, though. The Bruins are hitting their three-pointers at a clip of 43.3%, which ranks No. 21 in the nation.

The biggest three-point threats Illinois has to worry about are Tyger Campbell, David Singleton, and Jaylen Clark. All three are taking between 4-5 three-pointers per game, and Campbell has the lowest shooting percentage at 33.3%. Clark and Singleton are shooting 53.8% and 60%, respectively.

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