The Illinois women's basketball team is on the brink of achieving their third 20-win season under the guidance of head coach Shauna Green. This season, the Illini have made waves in the Big Ten, showcasing their potential with a youthful core that has impressed fans and analysts alike. Starting the season with an 11-game winning streak and securing victories against ranked teams like Maryland and Washington, Illinois is making a strong case for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite facing challenges from powerhouses like No. 8 Michigan and No.
2 UCLA, the Illini have given Champaign fans plenty of reasons to cheer. Their performance hints at a promising future for the program.
As they approach the third-to-last game of the season, Illinois is set to face a familiar opponent in the 8-18 Northwestern Wildcats. Earlier in the season, Illinois narrowly defeated Northwestern, and now they meet again. Here are some key questions leading into this rematch:
- Can Northwestern Break Their Losing Streak?
Northwestern has had a tough season, holding the second-worst record in the Big Ten at 2-13. The Wildcats have lost 18 of their last 20 games, including an eight-game losing streak where they've been outscored by an average of 19.1 points per game.
To stand a chance against Illinois, Northwestern will need to shake off their bad luck and disrupt the Illini's rhythm. However, given their current form, pinpointing a solution seems challenging.
- Can Illinois Contain Grace Sullivan?
Senior forward Grace Sullivan is the linchpin of Northwestern's offense, averaging 22 points per game. Her scoring ability, both in the paint and from mid-range, makes her the Wildcats' most formidable threat.
For Illinois to secure a win, they must focus on neutralizing Sullivan's impact. If they can pressure her into carrying the team solo, Illinois will have a defensive edge in Evanston.
- Will Illinois Start Strong or Struggle Early?
A slow start has been a recurring issue for Illinois, with recent losses to Oregon and USC highlighting their struggles to establish early leads. Scoring just 47 first-half points across those two games has been uncharacteristic, especially with an NCAA Tournament bid on the line. Illinois will need to address these early-game woes to avoid falling behind and to maintain their momentum in the final stretch of the season.
As the Illini gear up for this crucial matchup, fans will be eager to see if they can capitalize on their strengths and continue their impressive run.