Baylor vs. Illinois: 5 biggest storylines for 2020-21 matchup

4.  Both last season and this season’s stats indicate something clearly – there is bound to be an entertaining clashing of different offensive and defensive styles tonight

The Baylor Bears and Illinois Fighting Illini both err on the side of average offenses – but they make up for their occasional offensive woes through their impeccable defense, both of which rank among the nation’s best.

Both squads differed, slightly, in their stats last season – and they seem to infer that Illinois was the more offensively-oriented squad of the two, whereas Baylor relied – and succeeded – much more on the defensive end.  Ignoring the season-opening stats thus far for this year – it is a bit too early to be fully relying on this season’s stats – seems to indicate that this game could feature an intriguing clash between different styles.

Offensively, again, both teams were relatively average last year.  The Illini ranked 137th behind 72.2 points per game, while the Bears trailed at 175th with a 71.1 average.  Not really that big of a difference, but the Illini did hold the edge in field goal percentage (44.3% to Baylor’s 42.9%) and free throw percentage (72.8% to 69.0%), while the Bears were substantially better from beyond the arc (35.1% to 30.9%).

Where the Bears succeeded was on the defensive end, where they ranked seventh nationally last year in scoring defense (60.1 ppg) – over five points better than Illinois, who was not too shabby either at 65th (65.3 ppg).

It was not just in scoring, however, that the Bears flourished in – they were 43rd in blocks (4.4) while Illinois was 214th (2.9), as well as 27th in steals (8.1) compared to the Illini’s 4.9, good for 326th.

Referencing this season’s team stats seems a bit ill-advised, given that they have been amassed over – at least, according to KenPom – weaker teams.  However, if they have proven anything, it is that both teams can score unbelievably well – much better than last season’s averages.  Baylor currently ranks 10th with 99.0 points a game, while the Illini just trail with 98.7 – good for 12th.

But this season’s stats also seem to reflect last season’s, as well.  Illinois is shooting better on field goals and free throws, whereas Baylor holds the edge from beyond the arc – as well as on steals and blocks.  The only difference thus far is that Illinois is holding teams to fewer points – 57.7 to Baylor’s 67.0.

I have already touched on the individual match-ups between the Illini’s guard-post duo of Dosunmu and Cockburn – in addition to Miller – and Baylor’s quadrant of offensive and defensive-minded guards.  However, both team’s styles and identities are just as important here.  If last season’s stats are any indication, do not be surprised to see a game in the 60s.