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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Nebraska

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down the bench during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down the bench during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) celebrates a three point basket against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez (15) celebrates a three point basket against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

4. RJ Melendez could be waking up

There have been a few Illinois players who have slept-walked through the first half of the season. One of the surprising players who hasn’t woken up yet is RJ Melendez.

This season has been a real struggle for Melendez. He has had a few good games, but for the most part, it has been a shockingly bad year for the talented sophomore.

In the last five games leading up to the Nebraska contest, Melendez hit rock bottom. He shot 3-of-23 from the field during this span, which included 1-of-17 from three-point range. It was ugly to watch, and I felt bad for the kid as he continued to fight through the slump.

Against the Cornhuskers, I think Melendez might have started to wake up a bit. He was playing like his old self again, and it was a joy to watch.

Melendez would finish the Nebraska game with 10 points, three rebounds, and one steal while going 4-of-9 from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range. The 10 points Melendez scored was his most since the Maryland game back on December 2.

It was so nice to see the ball go through the hoop for Melendez. I think there is a solid chance that is all he needed to see as well. His confidence had to be at an all-time low, so I imagine seeing that ball go through the hoop means the world to him. I can’t wait to see if this solid performance translates into more good games in the coming weeks.

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