The women's Illinois basketball team is about to have a highly anticipated rematch with the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the world needs to be prepared for it.
Last month, the world witnessed an instant classic when the Illini traveled to Carver-Hawkeye Arena to take on Ava Heiden and the Iowa Hawkeyes. It was a special night put on by these two programs, as they kept the score within five points for a majority of the contest.
These two teams gave us a game to remember in the second-to-last game of the season, and now we get to see them go at it again on an even bigger stage in the Big Ten Tournament. But before the game tips off at 5:30 CST, what are some key questions that we should be asking ourselves about this highly anticipated match-up?
Can Illinois limit the damage of Ava Heiden and Hannah Stuelke in the paint?
In the first meeting between these two teams, the Hawkeyes' offense basically consisted of two players, Ava Heiden and senior Hannah Stuelke. It was a game that was decided in the post, with Cearah Parchment and Berry Wallace doing everything they could to stop Iowa's monstrous duo.
Unfortunately, Iowa's frontcourt was just too much for the Illini, as they put up a combined 46 of Iowa's 82 points on the evening. They could not be stopped in the paint, as Heiden and Stuelke ended up shooting 72.2% and 53.8% from the field, respectively.
Heiden and Stuelke are two intense and physical individuals who have the ability to bully whatever opponent is guarding them. If Illinois wants any chance of winning this game, they are going to need to be able to control Iowa's frontcourt in some way while also using their speed and quickness to outmaneuver them.
Is Maddie Webber the key to a thrilling win by Illinois?
Prior to the start of this season, head coach Shauna Green was looking for someone who could come off the bench and extend games. She was searching for a player in the transfer portal with a unique scoring ability who could sub in for a spell without forgoing any efficiency on the floor.
Thankfully, she found that particular individual in the form of Maddie Webber. Webber, a transfer from Villanova University, has been absolutely sensational off the bench for the Illini. In 30 games this season, she has averaged 11 points and 2.6 rebounds per game on 47.8% shooting from the field.
Webber has been a special player for Illinois and has a chance to be a major factor in Friday night's matchup against Iowa. As one of the best long-range threats in the country with a 42.1% shooting percentage from deep, she will be taking on a Hawkeyes squad that ranks No. 275 in the country when it comes to defending the three.
If the former Wildcat, or any of her teammates, can get hot from deep, then this game has a chance of being over early. A great long-range game against a team that is very heavy in the paint would surely swing in Illinois' favor, and hopefully send them to the semifinals of the tournament.