NCAA Basketball: North Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
13. Illinois (22-8)
There are times when Illinois looks and plays like one of the nation’s best teams, but much of that success has come on the offensive end. The Fighting Illini have really figured things out on that end, especially since the return of Terrence Shannon Jr. It’s the defense that’s really struggled throughout the season and might be their downfall during March Madness.
Their lone game of the past week was a disappointing Senior Night, as the Illini blew a halftime lead and fell 77-71 against a really strong Purdue squad. The defense didn’t have their worst night, but played soft in the second half, with the Boilermakers really shooting the cover off the ball. Illinois did get 20 points from Marcus Domask in his latest superb performance while Coleman Hawkins had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
There’s no shame in sitting 13-6 in the Big Ten, and it’s good enough for a strong second place in this league. Illinois has had a successful season to date, but it’ll all seem hollow if that defense collapses in another early Tournament loss. Before Illinois turns their focus to the Big Ten Tournament they have a final regular season tune up at Iowa, and that certainly won’t be easy either.