If the women's Illinois basketball team isn't on your radar right now, then you haven't been paying attention.
The Illini, who walked into this season unranked, have been on an absolute tear ever since the start of the season. Their 13-1 record is the best start in Illinois history, and they've tied the record for longest win streak in program history at 11.
Shauna Green has this young roster on a path to greatness. The game plan that she has brought to Illinois is working overtime and has created a winning culture in such a short amount of time. But as we move to Sunday's game against Michigan State, what are some questions that we need to ask about this budding powerhouse from Champaign?
1. Will free throws play a pivotal role in the outcome of this game?
The Illini are one of the best teams in the country when it comes to shooting free throws, converting on 83% of their shots from the charity stripe. They dominate opposing teams when they're sent to the line, with their free throw shooting becoming a pivotal part of a majority of their wins.
Michigan State, on the other hand, hasn't had the same luck when it comes to free throw shooting. Through their first 14 games, they have only recorded a measly 69% from the stripe, which ranks head coach Robyn Fralick's squad No. 196 in the entire country.
When it's all said and done, fans are going to be able to point to a multitude of reasons for why the game ends the way it does, but for me, this game is going to be decided at the foul line. If the Spartans aren't on their game, they may be kicking themselves when the final buzzer sounds.
2. Can Cearah Parchment and Berry Wallace shut down Grace VanSlooten?
Berry Wallace and Cearah Parchment have been amazing so far this season. They have faced a lot of tough tests in their first 14 games as a pair, and the young frontcourt has conquered them all.
But on Sunday, they will face another tough matchup when they go up against the likes of senior forward Grace VanSlooten.
VanSlooten, an All-Big Ten team member last season, has been the face of this Spartans squad since she transferred from Oregon, averaging 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 24.9 minutes of play.
She is an amazing all-around threat who can stretch the floor at a moment's notice. If Parchment and Wallace can keep VanSlooten in check, as she was held to six points against Wisconsin, they will have a much better chance of winning this game.
3. Can Illinois limit their turnovers against a stout Spartans defense?
Michigan State is a stingy bunch when it comes to their defense. They have been playing similar ball to Illinois' last opponent, Maryland, by giving up only 54.7 points per game to their opponents.
Their calling card, however, has been their ability to cause turnovers. As of writing this, the Spartans have been forcing an average of 23.64 turnovers per game, which ranks them No. 15 in the entire country.
Sure, the Illini do take great care of the basketball, ranking No. 17 in the country with only 12.3 turnovers per game, but when you face a great unit like Michigan State, you need to be ready for what they're going to bring.
Focus on smart plays, don't force anything, and let's get this win!