To say the last few weeks have been rough for Illinois (18-11, 10-8) would be an understatement. While it may be getting repetitive, the injuries and illnesses spreading through the locker room like wildfire have just been too tough to overcome for a young, inexperienced roster. With just three games remaining, the Illini needed a major change in momentum.

They got it on Tuesday night, with an 81-61 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes (15-13, 6-11). An orange-out at State Farm Center provided the energy with the Hawkeyes in town, and the players kept the fire ignited throughout the contest.

Taking away Iowa’s strengths

While the visitors entered with a poor record, few losses were due to poor offense. Iowa entered with the No. 7 scoring offense in the nation at 83.9 points per game and the No. 2 assist/turnover ratio with a stellar 1.86. Illinois did its best to combat these statistics, which led to the win.

Limiting Iowa began immediately, as Illinois only allowed 30 first-half points. The Hawkeyes also ended the opening period with nine assists and an ugly eight turnovers, as the Illini controlled the style of play. 

Iowa is a usually sure-handed team with the basketball, entering No. 15 in turnover margin. Illinois completely took the visitors out of rhythm and demolished Iowa in the turnover battle. It was a 16-5 final margin — utter domination. The Hawkeyes didn’t even get within 20 points of their usual output.

A buzz in the air

Whether it was the nervous anticipation of an essentially must-win game or just plain-old excitement for Illinois basketball, something was in the air to begin the Big Ten affair. It was felt about 30 minutes before the tip, and you could tell the energy was high during pre-game introductions. 

Following multiple beatdowns, head coach Brad Underwood began to show doubt in his team’s mental toughness. Illinois has certainly not been a good three-point shooting team for the last two months, especially since many of the attempts made have been wide-open. 

There was no lack of toughness on Tuesday night, however, and the boys came out fired up. A look of determination filled their eyes, ready to take advantage of their only unranked opponent in the final six games. 

Even over the thunderous applause from the crowd, you could hear bodies slamming to the floor and players screaming after made baskets. Through everything, the Illini’s confidence was on full display. 

The best example was junior guard Tre White. After the loss to No. 3 Duke (25-3), White mentioned the team’s difficulties from long range. The transfer responded himself, going 2-4 from beyond the arc. He had fun with it too, breaking out into different celebrations for himself and others. 

Let’s get physical

With freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. still out, Illinois was lacking its main enforcer. It was clear that the team discussed that in between games, and multiple guys made physical toughness a point of emphasis.

Freshman forward Will Riley and junior guard Kylan Boswell rarely took a dribble without intent against the Hawkeyes, seeking contact everywhere they ran. Riley had several aggressive drives to the rim, seemingly shape-shifting his body through and around defenders. At times, Riley has shied away from contact or been thrown off of his mark by opponents, but he would not be denied on Tuesday. He even went as far as to commit a charge, positively proving his change in style.

Boswell assumed more of the booty-ball role that Illinois faithful have come to love. Whether backing down defenders or entering the paint and kicking the ball out to the corners, Boswell also administered a physical presence. 

Attractive offense

While the three-point shooting still wasn’t off the charts, Tuesday’s victory showed how valuable even a couple of conversions can be. Illinois shot 9-29 from deep, and due to the nature of the blowout, it felt even better than the final percentage tells. 

Many fans have been requesting fewer three-point attempts in recent weeks. It might have seemed as though the hosts listened against Iowa, but Illinois still attempted 29 threes. The feel of the shot selection was different, though. This was because of beautiful cutting, replacing shooters on the three-point line and purpose behind plays.

White found himself wide open several times in the corners, and it wasn’t by accident. His off-ball movement was tremendous against the Hawkeyes and opened up so much for the offense. Several times, White replaced the ball handler or a cutter’s position in the corner. By filling in the hole, there wasn’t a defender in sight. 

Multiple guards joined White in relentless cutting to the basket as well. Iowa was simply unable to guard everyone with numerous players streaking to the basket every possession. The constant movement also freed up sophomore center Tomislav Ivišić. 

The Croatian played around the free throw line plenty and was alone in 1-on-1 basketball in the post for most of the game. He rewarded his guards by going 9-13 from the field and notching 22 points.

Other notes

In an attempt to mix things up, Riley earned his third career start. The decision proved to be a good one, with Riley putting together one of his better all-around efforts of the season. He finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and an impressive +28 in-the-box score. 

Boswell also had a terrific all-around game. He led the defensive effort in stifling the Iowa offense and was efficient on the other end as well. The Champaign native was 6-12 from the field and dropped seven assists to go with his 15 points. 

Illinois ended a three-game losing streak with the win and grabbed some much-needed momentum. It has one more game on the road before coming back home for the season finale on March 7. 

@benfader7

[email protected]