4. Kylan Boswell’s aggression helped keep Illinois on track
Illinois didn’t shoot well against Washington. This was one of the more surprising things to come out of the game, as the Illini were 5-of-26 from three-point range.
To be effective in the game, you don’t need to be hitting shots, though. There are more things you can do on the court to help the team and get the victory.
I think Kylan Boswell is the best example of someone who can help Illinois win games in multiple ways. He has the veteran leadership and knowledge of the college game to know when to shoot from three-point range or when to drive to the lane to get momentum to change.
Boswell finished the Washington game with 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist. He shot 5-of-10 from the field and 1-of-2 from three-point range. He also knocked down 3-of-6 from the charity stripe.
The box score is solid for Boswell, but his impact was felt more than just what the numbers showed. When Washington would get going and narrow the margin, it always felt like Boswell had an answer for the Illini.
In the second half, the Huskies hard the margin down to 10 points. Boswell came down the court and hit a three-pointer. The lead tightened up to nine points, so Boswell drove the lane and got to the free throw line.
Washington managed to narrow the lead again to four points. Boswell had an answer with a bucket. Illinois extended the lead to nine points again with a Boswell shot. Washington then came down the court and hit a three-pointer. Boswell answered with a driving layup.
This type of veteran leadership to know not to settle for shots but instead to get aggressive and stop the opposing team’s momentum is exactly what Illinois needs on the court. Boswell’s contributions on Sunday were huge.