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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Morehead State

By Rees Woodcock

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 02: Head coach Shauna Green of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half of the game in the second round of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament at Target Center on March 2, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 02: Head coach Shauna Green of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half of the game in the second round of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament at Target Center on March 2, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Jan 8, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Rikki Harris (1) makes a shot attempt while defedned by Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jada Peebles (11) and forward Brynn Shoup-Hill (23) during the third 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 Rikki Harris (1) makes a shot attempt while defedned by Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jada Peebles (11) and forward Brynn Shoup-Hill (23) during the third 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 /

2. Illinois needs to create more for Brynn Shoup-Hill

I believe the Illinois basketball team is much deeper this season than in 2022-23. There is so much talent up and down this roster, and sometimes that talent can get lost.

Illinois has a really talented forward in Brynn Shoup-Hill. The forward isn’t just banging around in the paint. In fact, I believe she is one of the most versatile players on the floor.

Shoup-Hill finished the Morehead State game with six points, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. She was 2-of-4 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range. She did all of this while only playing 18 minutes on the court.

I love watching Shoup-Hill play the game. She runs the court well, and she is such a mismatch for the opponent. A 6-foot-3 forward who can step out and hit a three-pointer is a huge asset. That is why I would like to see Illinois create more for her.

Looking for Shoup-Hill to contribute more on offense would also help with the scoring droughts. Illinois had a nearly three-minute scoring drought in the first quarter that let Morehead State get to within four points. We also came out of the halftime locker room and failed to score in the first four minutes, enabling the Eagles to cut the lead again.

Let’s let our scorers score. Shoup-Hill is one of the most versatile offensive players on the team, and it is time to let her eat.

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