For the second straight game, the Illinois basketball program looked like a team that could compete for another Big Ten title.
Leading up to the game against Nebraska, the Illini hadn’t won back-to-back contests since the end of November. That is a long stretch of roller coaster play.
Illinois was able to take care of business on Tuesday night, though. We jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead and never let go. There were a couple of times in the second half when Nebraska tried to make this a game, but the Illini wouldn’t allow it. Big shot after big shot rained down, and Illinois would come away with the win, 76-50.
Here are five observations from the Illinois basketball win over Nebraska.
1. Coleman Hawkins let the game come to him
The up-and-down play from Coleman Hawkins this season has been frustrating at times. We all know he is an extremely talented player, but he hasn’t shown that on the court in numerous games.
I think one of the issues has been that Hawkins is trying too hard. I know that sounds crazy, but I am not talking about effort. I am talking about trying to do too much and not just letting the game come to him.
On Tuesday night against Nebraska, Hawkins didn’t force his game. He didn’t try to live up to the potential NBA Draft pick billing. He just played his game, and it was beautiful to watch.
Hawkins would finish the Cornhuskers game with 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one assist while going 5-of-9 from the field. I think the thing that impressed me most about Hawkins’ game was the fact that he was whatever Illinois needed at the time.
In the first half, the Illini didn’t need a ton of scoring from Hawkins. After a couple of three-point attempts in the first couple of minutes, Hawkins settled into his role and played well. He would have just three points in the first half, but he would also sprinkle in three assists, one rebound, and one steal.
Hawkins then turned up his scoring in the second half when Illinois needed it. Nebraska cut the lead to five points in the first couple of minutes, but Hawkins then went to work. He hit a three-pointer the next time down the court. That shot was followed by another bucket by Hawkins, and just like that, he went on a 5-0 run by himself to extend the lead back out to 10 points.
I want this Hawkins for the rest of the season. If Illinois can get him to play as he played against Nebraska, then the future of this program is so bright.