Illinois Basketball: Takeaways from Illini stunning loss to Marquette

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts to a call in the second half during a college basketball game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Fiserv Forum on November 15, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Alfonso Plummer #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini brings the ball up the court in the game against the Jackson State Tigers at State Farm Center on November 09, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Illinois bench was a non-factor

The Illinois bench had a rough night. Four guys checked into the game for them throughout the night and they only accounted for 2 points in the contest. Yes, their are other ways to bring positives to the floor but you cannot rely on your starters to do all the heavy lifting the whole game at the same time.

With the return of Kofi Cockburn this will most likely move forward Omar Payne back to the bench which will strengthen the bench play for Illinois. The transfer from Florida has three years left of eligibility and will be counted on to supply big minutes off the bench.

Two other Illini players who will be relied on throughout the year off the bench are fifth year guard Da’Monte Williams and transfer guard Alfonso Plummer. DaMonte Williams does a bit of everything like scoring, defending, and rebounding but will need to be more aggressive to put the ball in the basket.

The Utah transfer in Plummer averaged 13.6 ppg and shot 38% from three last season for Utah. This was only his third game in his Illinois career so need to give him some time to adjust to his new team. Illinois will need his shooting off the bench to put up points.

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