The Illinois Men’s basketball team schedule isn’t exactly favorable down the stretch. In addition to playing other top-ranked teams in the country, the Fighting Illini also have some potential trap
games they need to account for. Luckily, this team has a lot of talent and is more than capable of handling these contests.
If Illinois wants to finish as one of the top-ranked teams in the country, they’ll have to win the following matchups.
1. Maryland (Feb. 17th, Away)
When using sports betting sites, it’s important not to underestimate unranked teams. This is also the case for Illinois, who matches up with Maryland later this season.
Maryland beat Illinois 76-67 back in January. Marcus Domask had a solid game with 26 points, and Luke Goode chipped in 13 more. Outside of these two players, nobody scored more than
eight points.
Maryland had four players score 9 or more, including 20 from Julian Reese and 28 from Jahmir Young. Illinois will have to put more of a defensive effort on these two players.
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They’ll also need to improve on the offensive end, as they shot a measly 33% from the field in their previous game against Maryland.
2. Minnesota (Feb. 28th, Home)
Another team that Illinois will have to look out for is Minnesota. If you look at the Illinois men’s basketball team schedule, you’ll realize that this is the year’s first matchup between these two
teams. Despite being unranked, Minnesota will be quite the challenge for Illinois.
Dawson Garcia is their leading scorer, averaging over 17 points per contest. The rest of their offensive output is spread out pretty evenly, and it’s worked for them so far. Minnesota has a great field goal percentage, and they are also one of the top teams in the country in assists.
This means that all five players on the court for Illinois will need to be on high alert. Illinois should have the edge on the glass and overall, but they simply can’t underestimate Minnesota.
3. Iowa (Mar. 10th, Away)
Another trap game on the Illinois Men’s basketball team schedule is their final game of the regular season against Iowa. They also play the Hawkeyes on February 24th, but the last game of the year could have more of an impact on where Illinois ranks in the March Madness tournament.
Not only that, but Illinois will also be on the road for this game, as opposed to the one in late February.
Iowa has a lot of capable players on their roster. Three players average more than 14 points per game, including Ben Krikke, Tony Perkins, and Payton Sandfort. The Hawkeyes play at a very fast pace, which has helped them be one of the top-scoring teams in the country.
The Illinois Men’s basketball team schedule is full of tough matchups like this, but the good news is that they will have four days of rest to recover and prepare.
