W-L: 9-4
RPI: 53
SOS: 147
Best Wins:
(15) Clemson W, 76-74
(23) Vanderbilt W, 79-68
(70) Northwestern W, 89-83
Best Losses:
(9) Missouri L, 81-68
Current Rankings:
#53 RPI
Team Overview:
The Illinois Illini had a roller-coaster ride of a season last year that ended with a first-round loss to Western Kentucky in the NCAA tournament. At times they looked like a talented and dangerous team. They obliterated a strong Missouri team that made it to the Elite Eight early in the year and won two of their three matchups with a tough Purdue squad.
However, they struggled with their consistency in other games, especially on the offensive end. On two occasions they failed to put 40 points on the board, including an embarrassing 38-33 loss to Penn State. They finished 24-9 on the year, which was still pretty good given the roster uncertainty entering the season. While their three best players return from that team, they have some holes to replace in the backcourt.
Team Leaders:
Points: Demetri McCamey 14.1
Assists: Demetri McCamey 5.6
Rebounds: Mike Davis 10.4
Best Player:
Mike Davis F/C 6-9 220 JR
Davis is a beast in the low post, having 8 games in Double Digit rebounds this season
My Take:
While Illinois has struggled this season, they are in fact a good team. This is not going to be an easy roadtrip, having to travel all the way out to Chicago after just playing on New Years Eve in Spokane. I expect the Zags to eventually pull this one out late.
Final Score: Gonzaga 77 Illinois 75
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