Illinois (10-2, 0-1) will defend its home court against a Big Ten opponent for the first time this season. It’s Illinois’ second conference game of the season, going up against Oregon (9-3, 0-1). In its first Big Ten game, Illinois lost to No. 12 Ohio State (12-0, 1-0).
Home court advantage
So far this season, the Illini are undefeated at home. They’ve taken down all eight opponents they’ve played at State Farm Center, including No. 19 Florida State (11-2). They have an 11-game win streak at home, the second most in team history. They average just under 78 points per game at home while only giving up just under 52 points per game to their opponents.
Conversely, this will be Oregon’s first true away game, as all but two have been played at home. The two that weren’t home games were at a neutral site: the Hawai’i North Shore Showcase. Last season, Oregon went 2-12 in away games.
Between both teams, the Illini stand to benefit the most from their home-court advantage. While Big Ten teams are sure to be tougher than many of the teams they’ve faced, their proven record at home gives them the edge.
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Injury bug
Since the start of the season, Illinois has struggled with injuries. Most recently, fifth-year guard Makira Cook and sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan were sidelined. Dolan has missed the last five games and Cook the previous three.
Head coach Shauna Green didn’t know if the two guards would suit up for the start of the conference slate. However, she said that whoever is healthy needs to be ready.
“Our team knows: whoever’s available,” Green said. “We’re going to come out, we’re going to fight and next woman up.”
Oregon isn’t a stranger to injuries, either. It’s had four players unavailable for the last two games. The Ducks are missing some size, with three of those players over 6 feet. With both teams potentially missing some bench pieces, it could be a big game for the starters.
Lineups, matchups
For the Illini, scoring hasn’t been an issue, especially at home. Six players average 10 or more points per game. Four of the five starters average more than 10 points per game. Despite being short-handed all season, the starters have shown up.
Leading the way is fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic. Her 16.5 points per game is the best on the team and No. 11 in the Big Ten. Bostic’s ability to score from everywhere inside the arc makes her difficult to defend. Her mid-range shot is just as dangerous as her shots from under the rim.
Additionally, her ability to rebound might be even better than her scoring. She averages 11.3 rebounds per game, the second-best in the Big Ten. Oregon doesn’t have any players averaging more than six rebounds per game.
However, Oregon has the advantage of height. Senior center Phillipina Kyei stands 6-foot-8, towering over most of Illinois’ roster. She’s started the last three games, averaging 5.3 points per game and seven rebounds per game in that stretch.
The Ducks are led by graduate student guard Peyton Scott. Scott averages 11 points per game on 45.5% shooting from the floor. She’s started all 12 games this season, an impressive stat considering she suffered a season-ending injury in the first game last season.
Start of something B1G
Illinois starts its Big Ten slate with two home games against Oregon and Washington (9-4, 0-1). With its outstanding home record, Illinois has a chance to start its conference slate off on a good note. Two wins would bring a lot of momentum, something that is huge in a conference like the Big Ten.
An NCAA tournament appearance is looking more and more likely with every win. However, the conference games are what really matters. Every team in the Big Ten is tough. Getting out with more wins than losses would be a huge accomplishment.
Illinois will have to work hard, and the hard work continues on Dec. 28 against Oregon.
@ben_some16
