Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Lindenwood

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Nov 25, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) drives to the basket as Lindenwood Lions forward David Ware (0) defends during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rebounding margin is where it needed to be

Illinois hasn’t been able to pull away in the rebounding margin for the past couple of games. This has been frustrating because I know the Illini have good rebounding guards, wings, and big men.

For the season, the Illini are pulling down 39.2 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 59 in the nation. So, we can crash the glass. But in games against UCLA and Virginia, the rebounding margin has been too close.

The Cavaliers and Bruins actually outrebounded the Illini. Virginia won the rebounding battle 37-34 while UCLA won 39-38. I think, to be an elite team, Illinois is going to need to win these battles against good teams.

Thankfully, on Friday night, the Illini didn’t play a good team. We ended up dominating the rebounding margin against Lindenwood. Illinois was able to pull down about their average at 38 rebounds against the Lions. Lindenwood only had 22 rebounds on the night. That is a +16 rebounding margin.

I am not expecting Illinois to dominate the glass as they did against Lindenwood in every game, but I want to see a positive rebounding margin. I know we have the horses to be able to outrebound any team in the country. Friday night’s performance was impressive, and I think we can continue being dominant on the glass.

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