We are through the first 20 minutes against Texas Tech, and Illinois basketball looks like a mid-major.
This was a rattling first half for the Illini, as we head into the locker room down 49-29. This was a beatdown of the ugliest fashion, and there is nothing good to say about what Illinois did on the court.
What I am here to tell you is that this first half was actually good for the Illini. We needed this beat down.
The first two games of the season were too easy. Everything went Illinois’ way, and there was zero adversity in those contests. The first 20 minutes against Texas Tech were the first adversity we have seen the Illini go through on the court.
Illinois has nearly double the number of turnovers, as we have 11 turnovers to Texas Tech’s six turnovers. That isn’t going to win anything.
The glass is even uglier. The Illini are getting outhustled in the rebounding department, 23-15. This included the Red Raiders doubling up Illinois on the offensive glass, 10-5.
Illinois also dealt with some injuries in the first half. Quentin Coleman went down with an ankle injury and tried to come back into the game a couple of times. His injury occurred when Texas Tech went on their run.
Ethan Brown also went to the bench with an injury that hasn’t been updated yet. He is an important piece who was missing for the final few minutes.
The second half against Texas Tech will show us what this Illinois basketball team is made of
It was an ugly first half for Illinois. We looked bad in every facet of the game. That doesn’t mean the final 20 minutes can’t be different.
I mentioned the first half drubbing was good for the Illini because of adversity. Well, now the second half will show us how this Illinois team responds.
If Illinois comes out of the gates and makes this a game, then it will show me that we are here to stay. It will show that we aren’t mentally fragile and are willing to fight until the end.
The second half could go the other way, too. If Illinois keeps getting punched and doesn’t get up off the mat, then it will be concerning moving forward. We can’t always be frontrunners. Illinois needs to show toughness and fight. Let’s see how this game plays out.
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