19. Illinois (8-3)
Things just haven’t gone as expected for an Illinois team that now has three losses despite some really fantastic metrics on offense. Brad Underwood’s crew has looked the part of a top contender in most of their games this season, especially in last weekend’s 13-point win down in Tennessee. Their offense continues making headlines but it was the defense that let them down as Big Ten play began.
Tuesday wasn’t that story, as the Fighting Illini won 88-80 at Ohio State for a solid start to conference play. Keaton Wagler had 23 points while David Mirkovic added 22 points and 9 rebounds in a great effort against those Buckeyes. After a tough start, Illinois battled back but fell on a buzzer beater at home 83-80 against Nebraska. Saturday saw a trio of players stand out, as Kylan Boswell scored 20 points while both Wagler and Andrej Stojakovic added double-doubles.
All things considered, a 1-1 start in the Big Ten is far from a disaster and all three of these losses have come to talented, ranked foes. Illinois has to find a way to be better on offense, as they gave up way too many easy opportunities to the Cornhuskers in that disappointing weekend affair. We won’t see this team in action for more than a week, but they’ll next appear down in St. Louis for the annual Braggin’ Rights Game against Missouri.