Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over the Wisconsin Badgers

4. Point production will rest on our starters until Luke Goode returns

There isn’t much to complain about when it comes to Jayden Epps getting the starting nod. He has been sensational since Brad Underwood made the move.

The only thing that has emerged as a potential issue is bench scoring or lack thereof. Illinois isn’t getting much production off the bench as far as points go, and this could be a worry moving forward.

Against Wisconsin on Saturday, the lack of bench production reared its ugly head. Illinois’ bench combined for two points in 44 minutes of action. They were a combined 1-of-7 from the field and 0-of-4 from three-point range. The only two free throw attempts were also missed.

This is something that has started to become a trend with the Illini since the Epps moved to the starting rotation. In the win over Ohio State, the Illinois bench scored nine points in 54 minutes of action. They were a combined 4-of-12 from the field and 0-of-5 from three-point range.

RJ Melendez is supposed to be the guy coming off the bench. He is the veteran bench player who has put up solid points in the past. But he has now shot 2-of-12 from the field and 0-of-7 from three-point range in his last two games.

I think the points Illinois is going to get will have to come from our starters for now. Let’s not forget, Luke Goode is going to be returning to the lineup soon. He should give us a shot in the arm on the offensive end of the court.