The integration of the Pac-12 is starting to make waves for the Illinois basketball program. As the Illini gear up for a late-night showdown against USC, tipping off at 9:00 p.m.
CT/10:00 p.m. ET, they're facing a Trojan team that's quietly building momentum, especially with a healthy Alijah Arenas on the court.
This matchup is no walk in the park, and Illinois needs to be on their game to avoid an upset.
Here are three crucial strategies for Illinois to kick off this road trip on the right foot:
- Keep the Guards Clean: Staying out of foul trouble has been a strength for Illinois this season, but the West Coast trip could present new challenges.
Keaton Wagler, in particular, is key here-not just for his offensive contributions but for his defensive prowess, especially against USC's standout Alijah Arenas. This freshman face-off is set to be a highlight, with Wagler's size and skill matching up against Arenas, who’s been drawing fouls and making frequent trips to the line.
Keeping Wagler on the floor and out of foul trouble will be vital for Illinois' success.
- Leverage the Ivisic Brothers: The dynamic duo of Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic can be game-changers for Illinois.
Their ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting could pull USC's big man, Gabe Dynes, away from the paint, disrupting the Trojans' defensive setup. Despite USC's size, they've struggled with rebounding, averaging 36.6 boards per game.
If the Ivisic brothers can exploit this weakness, Illinois will have a significant advantage.
- Improve Perimeter Shooting: Illinois managed a 20-point win over Indiana despite a dismal 23% from beyond the arc.
While Indiana might not pose the same threat as USC, relying on subpar shooting isn't a sustainable strategy. The Illini have shown they can shoot well from deep, hitting over 33% in nine of their last 12 games.
To secure a win against the Trojans and avoid jeopardizing their NCAA tournament seeding, Illinois needs to keep their three-point shooting above 30%.
In essence, if Illinois can maintain discipline, capitalize on their big men’s versatility, and find their rhythm from three-point range, they stand a strong chance of coming out victorious against USC.