Illinois Basketball Stifles Iowa Basketball’s Tournament Hopes

Illinois Basketball Stifles Iowa Basketball’s Tournament Hopes

What a final regular-season game. In classic Illinois Basketball fashion, the squad took the fanbase for a wild roller coaster ride in Iowa City. The Illini jumped out to a 21-point lead in the first half. Despite this, Illinois looked a bit off. They were loose with the ball and Iowa missed a lot of wide-open looks. That theme continued. The Hawkeyes punched their way back into the game and came within single digits at multiple points throughout the second half.

Illinois Basketball held strong with some key contributions from Dain Dainja and Ty Rodgers. The Illini successfully ruined the Iowa Hawkeyes’ senior day 73-61. This win for Illinois successfully stifles Iowa Basketball’s Tournament hopes.

Finishing conference season with a W.#Illini | #HTTO | #EveryDayGuys pic.twitter.com/2xeNRv1big

— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) March 11, 2024

Get Ready for the Ride

The game vs Iowa likely captures what the rest of the month will look like for Illinois Basketball. When the team is rolling comfortably, they look like a potent offense that can take on anyone. However, they are too prone to defensive lapses, turnovers, and mental lapses during a forty-minute game. This team will be prone to giving up frustrating runs during postseason play. As a fan, you just have to hope that one of these lapses does not cost you. Outside of the Maryland loss, Illinois Basketball held chances to win all of their other seven losses.

Illinois basketball will now head to the Big Ten Tournament. Clearly, Purdue is in a tier of their own, with Illinois clearly at the top of the next tier of teams. Despite this, Illinois Basketball has to show they can put together a sustained forty minutes to show fans that they are ready for the spotlight in March Madness. Otherwise, it will be another frustrating and brief March for the Illini.

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