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

Jan 8, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Taylor Mikesell (24) contests the ball with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Makira Cook (3) during the second quarter of the women’s NCAA division I basketball game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Value City Arena on Sunday afternoon.Basketball Ceb Wbk Illinois Illinois At Ohio State
Jan 8, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Taylor Mikesell (24) contests the ball with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Makira Cook (3) during the second quarter of the women’s NCAA division I basketball game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Value City Arena on Sunday afternoon.Basketball Ceb Wbk Illinois Illinois At Ohio State

The women’s Illinois basketball team has another big game on the schedule, as we try to close out the season strong.

The Illini head over to Penn State in hopes of getting back on track after a close loss to No. 8 Maryland. This is a big game for the Orange and Blue, not only for the win-loss column but for strengthening our position in the Big Ten standings.

Coming into the game against the Nittany Lions, there are a few things I want to keep an eye on. Hopefully, we can play a solid game throughout and come away with the victory.

Here are three things to watch for in the Illinois basketball game against Penn State.

1. Can Illinois put four quarters together

Illinois is having one of the best seasons in program history. We are currently 19-7 on the year and 9-6 in the Big Ten.

This season could be even better if the Illini could put all four quarters together. If this could happen, then Illinois would be a top 20 team in the country. That is why I am going to be watching to see if Illinois can put all four quarters together against Penn State on Sunday.

In the most recent loss to No. 8 Maryland, the Illini fell by 11 points, 82-71. The crazy part about this loss was the fact we won three out of the four quarters. The only quarter we didn’t win was the third quarter, and the Terrapins got the best of us 31-8 in that 10-minute stretch.

If Illinois just loses the third quarter 31-21, we take down a top-10 team in Maryland. Let’s put all four quarters together against the Nittany Lions.

2. Will Makira Cook continue lights-out basketball

This season, the Illini have been playing some great basketball. Even in the meat of the Big Ten schedule, we are racking up wins left and right.

A big reason for the success this season is due to new additions and a great coach in Shauna Green. One of the transfers who came into the program was Makira Cook. She has been playing some great basketball, and on Sunday, I want to see if she can continue her lights-out play.

Last week against Maryland, Cook ended up dropping 29 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 11-of-23 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from three-point range. She has really played well over the past few games in particular as well.

In the last three contests, Cook has averaged 24 points per game, which is an increase from her season average of 18.4 points per game. She has been a huge reason for the great play of the Orange and Blue. I need to see another big game against Penn State.

3. Who does Illinois send at Makenna Marisa

Penn State hasn’t had a great 2022-23 campaign thus far. They are 13-13 this season and 4-11 in Big Ten play. This includes dropping eight out of the past 10 contests.

But the Nittany Lions have an extremely talented player in Makenna Marisa. She has been sensational for Penn State, and she is someone who the Illini need to keep an eye on. That is why I want to see who Illinois sends at Marisa to stop her from dominating.

For the season, Marisa is averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. She has now dropped 22 points in back-to-back contests against Ohio State and Michigan State as well. Marisa can hit from anywhere on the floor too, so that makes her even more dangerous.

I believe Illinois is going to probably try to stop Marisa with Cook. She has been great at stopping defenders this season and is extremely quick. She also averages 1.2 steals per contest. I think Adalia McKenzie would be an interesting option as well. McKenzie isn’t as quick as Cook, but she can lock opponents down. She also leads Illinois with 1.6 steals per game.