Illinois (17-5, 7-4), coming off a monumental win over No. 14 Maryland (17-5, 7-4), will play Northwestern (7-13, 0-9) for the second time in less than a month. The first matchup between the teams was favorable for the Illini, who won 85-60.
The first game saw five Illinois players score double-digits. This led to the second-most points scored in a game this season for the Illini. Based on their success in the first meeting, here are some things to look for from the Illini.
Who else but Bostic?
In the first game against Northwestern, fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes. She worked primarily against graduate student forward Taylor Williams. Bostic was a rebound away from a double-double by the second quarter.
With how the last game went, Northwestern will likely make Bostic a defensive priority. She scored from all levels against the Wildcats, finding success in and out of the paint.
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However, one problem she had against Northwestern was fouls. She had three personal fouls in the previous game against the Wildcats. Most of Bostic’s fouls this season come in the paint as an opposing player drives to the rim. Bostic will have to be careful not to foul, especially when graduate student guard Kyla Jones drives to the rim. Two of Bostic’s three fouls came against Jones in the first matchup.
Bostic has scored double-digit points in 16 of the teams’ wins. A dominant performance from Bostic could very well result in an Illinois win.
Ball movement
Illinois has one of the lowest assists per-game averages in the Big Ten. However, in its last game against Northwestern, the team had 24 assists — its second most in a game all season. Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant had a career-high 13 assists.
The Illini made sure to move the ball around, and it paid off. Their spacing on offense was solid, resulting in better shots. They made six three-pointers, most of them uncontested.
Since the game against the Wildcats, the Illini have seemingly found their groove. They’ve notched 15 or more assists in every game since then. The better ball movement has resulted in more three-point attempts as well.
Illinois has taken 15 or more three-pointers in the last four games. Better spacing and movement on offense have helped with shot creation. It is something they will likely continue against Northwestern.
Berry close to a breakout
Freshman forward Berry Wallace is coming off an impressive game. She scored 14 points and made four three-pointers in the win over No. 14 Maryland. The freshman has scored double-digit points in three of the last four games.
Her confidence has grown since the beginning of the season. It’s evident when watching her play that she trusts her jumper, as she has put up three-pointers from everywhere on the court. It’s also not uncommon to see her hoist one with a hand in her face.
A breakout might not be far away for Wallace. Her growing confidence, as well as growing minutes, could see her impact consistently rise. Wallace’s skill off the bench could be a big help down the stretch.
Blowout bench
In the last game against Northwestern, freshman guard Mia Zenere and freshman forward Irene Noya Catoira both logged six minutes at the end of the game. Head coach Shauna Green also said freshman center Hayven Smith would’ve played if she wasn’t sick.
The more minutes the younger players get, the more they improve. If the Illini are in another situation where they can empty the bench, their young freshman can get valuable minutes.
Smith, who stands 6-foot-6, is a likely candidate to step into Bostic’s role next season. Getting as much playing time as possible would be a huge help for the freshman. Similarly, Noya Catoira and Zenere have valuable skills that can be improved.
Win streaks on the line
Illinois has won four games in a row. It has also beaten Northwestern in five straight games. Both these win streaks are on the line in Thursday’s game when the Wildcats center Illini territory. Another win could potentially bump the Illini back into the AP Poll. A loss would end both streaks and likely drop them down the Big Ten standings.
@ben_some16
