Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 5 big questions for the Illini against Marquette

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 10, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts off the bench during the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts off the bench during the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Illinois basketball
COLUMBUS, OHIO – FEBRUARY 26: Coleman Hawkins #33 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after making a shot in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on February 26, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Will Illinois win the rebounding margin?

Illinois has started the year off well when it comes to rebounding the basketball. In the Eastern Illinois game, we ended up winning the rebounding battle 50-40.

Against Oakland, the rebounding margin wasn’t as big but we still came away with the advantage, 36-32. Snagging more rebounds gives the Illini more chances to score. We have the big-time big men to be able to win every rebounding battle this season.

But Marquette also has some good rebounding players. That is why a big question I have for the game on Tuesday night is; will Illinois win the rebounding battle against the Golden Eagles?

Marquette enters the game on Tuesday averaging 41.0 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 103 in the nation. Illinois is slightly better at 45.0 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 41 in the country.

The Golden Eagles have a dangerous forward in Oso Ighodaro who is long and athletic. At 6-foot-11, he is a nightmare on the glass. He has pulled down 18 rebounds in the first two games of the year.

I believe Marquette has some good rebounding guards as well. Two of their guards had at least five rebounds in the last game against Rider. I expect their guards to rebound hard against the Illini.

Winning the rebounding battle is going to be crucial against Marquette. We can’t give up easy points because they are too good of a team. Hopefully, Illinois’ size wins out and keeps the rebounding margin positive.

Home/Illinois Basketball