Illinois (13-3, 3-2) is gearing up for another away game, this time against Penn State (7-9, 0-5). Illinois started the new year off strong with a win against then-No. 7 Maryland (16-1, 4-1), but has since faced two straight losses to then-No. 24 Michigan State (15-1, 4-1) and No. 19 Ohio State (14-2, 4-1).
“We don’t have a good taste in our mouth after losing two of them (ranked matchups),” said head coach Shauna Green. “I think we all believe we could have won them.”
After a rest day followed by another two-day prep, the Lady Lions present the perfect opportunity for the Illini to get back into the win column and redeem confidence on the road.
“Mentally, physically, emotionally, they needed a day off,” Green said. “So, us coaches were working and preparing and doing what we needed to do in order to get back to work yesterday.”
To get back on track, the Illini need to focus on four goals to keep them moving in the right direction.
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Goal 1: Honing in on rebounds
The Illini need to focus more on offensive rebounds and scoring off of them. Offensive rebounds are an excellent way for the Illini to get more points on the board. In its last four conference games, Illinois has gone back and forth with its opponents, and those games could have gone either way.
By taking offensive rebounds and scoring off of them, the Illini give themselves the opportunities to make second-chance points against the Lady Lions. By doing so, Illinois has the chance to further its lead or inch closer if it’s down.
The Illini also need to be on top of getting their defensive rebounds. This will help prevent the Lady Lions from scoring off of second-chance points. While Penn State has more rebounds offensively and defensively than Illinois, Illinois has shown it can be smarter about what it does with the rebounds.
Goal 2: Forcing turnovers
Another excellent way for Illinois to show its ability against Penn State is to force turnovers. Illinois forces 17.25 turnovers per game, around five more than opponents force on it per game. The Illini are also among the best in the country at preventing turnovers.
Turnovers are going to be key against the Lady Lions. The Lady Lions have the most turnovers in the Big Ten, with 20.4 per game. With conference stats aside, Penn State struggles to prevent turnovers. The Illini need to capitalize on how likely the Lady Lions are to lose possessions and use it to their advantage. If Illinois can force 20 turnovers on Penn State, it will be the perfect chance for Illinois’ defense to shine.
Goal 3: Keep making free throws
Illinois is currently the No. 1 team in free-throw percentage this season. With their free-throw percentage at 83.13%, the Illini are a force to be reckoned with. While its No. 1 spot is a team effort, two athletes stand out in the top 50 for helping achieve this. Redshirt sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan‘s 88.68 free-throw percentage ties for 23rd best in the nation, and sophomore forward Berry Wallace is just behind with an 88.28 percentage.
For the Illini, their ability to make free throws is an easy way to score them points. Illinois is averaging 16.9 free throws per game, with a season high of 26 free throws made against North Texas.
Free throws can also be used against Illinois. The Illini need to be smart defensively to prevent the Lady Lions from getting to the free-throw line. If the Illini can capitalize on their strengths, such as free throws, it will be an easy way for them to rack up points.
Goal 4: Active bench
Green is known to play more of her bench when the Illini are in the lead. Considering Penn State’s record, Green has a chance to showcase the depth of her bench on Sunday.
While junior guard Maddie Webber is Illinois’ sixth woman and Green has mentioned she could be a starter, Illinois’ bench is more than just Webber’s talents.
Sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton is showcasing what she can bring to the court in her most recent games. Guyton’s season started off slowly due to an injury, but once she got comfortable on the court, she proved just how useful she can be. Guyton proved that she can play point guard and has shown how she can be crucial offensively as well.
Sophomore forward Irene Noya Catoira saw more action during Illinois’ non-conference games earlier in the season. However, it will be interesting to see how well she does during conference play. Noya Catoira has yet to score against a Big Ten opponent. She has, however, been able to help out the Illini with rebounds against conference opponents. If the Illini are in a comfortable lead on Sunday, Noya Catoira is likely to be out on the court showcasing the talents fans saw early on in the season.
Redshirt sophomore center Lety Vasconcelos is another bench player who has been quieter during conference play. After not scoring against Maryland and Michigan State, Vasconcelos put up 4 points against Ohio State. Vasconcelos is also another player who has played fewer minutes as conference play ramped up. Sunday’s contest is another opportunity for Vasconcelos to get more active on the court and show her versatility.
Illinois will take on Penn State at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, PA, at 2 p.m. CDT on Jan. 11.
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