3. Illinois can wear USC down
There are many attributes that set Illinois apart from a lot of programs in the country. We have numerous ways to score the basketball, our defense is great, and we have incredible size on the court.
You won’t run out of talking points when it comes to the Illini. But there is one talking point that isn’t getting enough shine.
Coming into the game on Saturday, I think Illinois can wear USC down with the depth we are going to put on the court.
Illinois is one of the deepest teams I have ever seen the program produce. Even with Kasparas Jakucionis being out against Penn State, the Illini bench stepped up and, arguably, played better than our starters.
USC can’t say the same. They aren’t a deep team at all, and this is going to be a massive disadvantage. Against Indiana, the Trojans had four starters play at least 33 minutes. The other starter was a rotation of a couple of players.
The Trojans’ bench played a total of 37 minutes against the Hoosiers and finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. They were 0-of-4 from three-point range as well.
This has been a trend for USC too. I would say, the Trojans probably go six deep, and if someone finds a spark, they can go seven deep. That doesn’t compare to Illinois.
When fully healthy, the Illini are going nine deep and not missing a beat. Our bench lineup when fully healthy is Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis, Will Riley, and Morez Johnson Jr. That is insane.
Illinois is going to be able to keep fresh legs against USC. The Trojans won’t be able to keep up. Let’s wear USC down and put this game away early.