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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Central Connecticut

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 18: Makira Cook #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on January 18, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 18: Makira Cook #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on January 18, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
CHAMPAIGN , IL – NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

The women’s Illinois basketball team continued to roll on Wednesday night with an easy win over Central Connecticut.

This wasn’t much of a game from the start, as the Illini gave up just five points in the first quarter. Makira Cook made her presence felt early and often, and this helped spark Illinois to a nice run early on.

A 17-point halftime lead quickly turned into a 39-point drubbing of the Blue Devils.

Here are five observations from the Illinois basketball win over Central Connecticut

1. Makira Cook’s energy was infectious for Illinois

Having Markira Cook back in the lineup has been a nice change for the Illini. While I am not sure how much different the Illinois record would be, it is nice to have Cook getting reacclimated against some bad competition.

Cook continued her adjustment back into the starting lineup once again against Central Connecticut on Wednesday night. She didn’t look the best offensively, but her energy was infectious. You could tell, with Cook on the court, that the entire Illinois team played with an extra notch of motivation and energy.

The energy that Cook brought to the court wasn’t just an intangible thing either.  Cook’s quick hands on defense caused the Blue Devils to either turn the ball over or get out of rhythm. She played some of the best defense I have seen from an Illinois player this season on Wednesday night as well.

Folding in more fullcourt pressure was a great idea by Shauna Green. When you get Cook in the backcourt causing chaos, it helps the Illinois defense tremendously.

I love that Cook is back in the lineup. Her energy can be felt in so many different ways. It is nice to see her getting back in the groove. This Illinois team is going to be dangerous in the Big Ten.

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