4 keys for the Illinois basketball team to beat Northwestern

2. Run Northwestern out of the gym

Illinois has done a lot of things right this season. We are a talented team from top to bottom, but I think one of the sneakiest attributes of this program is the fact we run constantly.

It rarely seems that the Illini get into a halfcourt offense and pounds the rock. We are up and down the court trying to create in transition, and it has worked to perfection in nearly every game.

This season, Illinois averages 75.8 possessions per game, which ranks No. 27 in the country. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Northwestern averages 68.6 possessions per game, which ranks No. 293 in the nation.

I think if Illinois just plays their game, this won’t be much of a contest. Illinois can run Northwestern out of the gym because of the number of scoring options.

In the previous slide, I mentioned Tomislav Ivisic. He can play in the post with incredible touch but can also step out and hit a three-point shot. Ivisic can run the court better than most big men I have ever seen. He is going to be a nightmare in transition.

Kasparas Jakucionis is a menace in transition as well. With his court vision, handles, and great shot, Northwestern won’t be able to slack off of him.

Northwestern is a slow plodding team that won’t be able to keep up. Illinois just can’t play to the Wildcats’ style, and we should be fine.