Illinois Basketball: 3 big questions for the Illini against Penn State

2. Is the rebounding margin substantial?

There have been quite a few struggles for the Illini this season. From three-point defense to injuries and everything in between.

A big issue that has arisen in the past few games is rebounding. Illinois used to be a pretty good rebounding program, but we are slipping as of late. In fact, the Illini average 38.2 rebounds per contest, which ranks No. 23 in the country.

Against Penn State, Illinois is going to need to take our rebounding to another level. We can’t just match the Nittany Lions in this category, we need to win the rebounding battle by five or more rebounds.

In the two games against Penn State, the Illini have won the rebounding battle by an average of four rebounds in each contest. That isn’t enough in my opinion. I want to see Penn State get very few second-chance points.

Illinois has been on the struggle bus when it comes to rebounding lately. We have been outrebounded in two out of the past three contests and three out of the last six games. This includes a 12-rebound deficit in the Ohio State game.

I think it is a pretty simple formula to beat Penn State. Stop them from shooting three-pointers and rebound the dang basketball. Both things can be accomplished by just hustling and giving it all on the court. My hope is that ends up happening in what is the biggest game of the season thus far.