lllinois vs. NC State
8 p.m.
TV: ESPNU
If the Illini are thankful for anything, it’s getting away from the NIT Season Tip-Off. After dropping three games in the tournament last week, Illinois looks a lot less like the veteran-heavy likely Tourney team and more like a team without an identity. Though some fans are already giving up, games like this evening’s contest with the Wolfpack could help ease their worries.
NC State is a good team, featuring three players averaging 17 points. However, the Wolfpack are not without their issues, for example their 5-1 record includes close (or very close) wins over Georgia Southern (KenPom #161), St. Joseph’s (#101), and Loyola Chicago (#160). The difference is, NC State has made the most of those close games, whereas Illinois blew a 10-point lead against Winthrop and utterly failed against West Virginia’s full-court press.
Good news for Illinois is that NC State will be without 6’7″ guard Maverick Rowan this evening, but it will be small consolation if Illinois cannot take care of the ball (57 turnovers last 3 games). Guard play has led NC State to the 21st best offense in the country (per KenPom), so the Illini have to counter with strong play from Malcolm Hill, Tracy Abrams, and Jalen Coleman-Lands if they want to get back on track.
My prediction: Much improved play from Illinois but a heartbreaking ending.