A Rose and a Thorn: Illinois Basketball’s Win Over Purdue
Illinois (20-11, 12-8 Big Ten) secured an impressive 88-80 comeback win over No. 20 Purdue (21-10, 13-7 Big Ten) on Friday, rallying from a double-digit deficit to claim their third consecutive victory. The Illini are gaining momentum as they head into March, a stark contrast to the team that seemed off-track just a few weeks ago.
However, as with any performance, there are both positives and areas for improvement. Here’s a look at both sides:
Rose: Illinois Proved It Can Close Out Games
With just 1:12 remaining in Friday’s game and the score tied at 79, Purdue had the ball, and all signs pointed to a potential go-ahead score. However, Illinois showed its resilience. Will Riley forced a crucial turnover, and Kasparas Jakucionis hit a clutch step-back three to give the Illini a lead they would not relinquish.
Throughout the season, Illinois has struggled in late-game situations, notably against teams like Tennessee, Nebraska, and Michigan State. But Friday’s win showcased the Illini’s growing ability to handle crunch-time moments, a crucial factor for any team hoping to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Thorn: Illinois Struggled to Make Defensive Adjustments
Despite trailing by just two points at halftime (42-40), Illinois had significant defensive issues, particularly against Purdue’s Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn. Smith dominated with a near triple-double, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists, while Kaufman-Renn led all scorers with 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Although Illinois managed to win, their failure to make effective defensive adjustments nearly cost them. With the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments approaching, coach Brad Underwood and his team must be prepared to adapt defensively when needed, as relying on luck alone can only take them so far.
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