3. Keep firing from three-point range
The last game against Washington was pretty disappointing. Illinois couldn’t shoot from three-point range, and this was coming off an incredible shooting performance against Oregon just days earlier.
One of the things I have learned about Brad Underwood-coached teams is that the program doesn’t change just because of one bad incident or outing. Underwood stays the course, and I hope he continues to do that the rest of the season.
So, I think a key to beating Penn State will be staying the course. Don’t change the DNA of this team. Let’s keep shooting regardless.
I know that sounds kind of crazy. If you aren’t making them, why keep shooting the basketball? Well, it is kind of like in football with the run game. You need to run even though it isn’t working. It helps take pressure off the passing game so the defensive backs don’t drop back.
With shooting three-point shots, it helps keep the defense honest. If all Illinois does is drive the lane, the defenders will drop back and that creates double and triple teams. We can’t have that.
Illinois needs to continue launching three-point attempts while also playing great in the paint. That three-point shooting spreads the floor and opens lanes. There is also a good chance Illinois responds with a big night from three-point range.
This season, Illinois has only had five sub-30% shooting nights from three-point range. We have had nine games over 30% from three-point range. I like the odds that this is, at worst, a solid shooting night for the Orange and Blue. Shooters shoot.