Saturday, as Illinois beat South Dakota 91-79, Malcolm Hill put on a clinic: Career-high 34 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals. Monday it earned him co-Big Ten player of the week honors. This is how it had to be.
Throughout all the team’s struggles this season, Hill has been a constant. He’s team leader in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, field goals, and free throws. Conference-wide, he’s 2nd in points, 4th in minutes, 6th in steals 8th in free throw percentage, 13th in assists, and 19th in rebounds.
At times Hill has been relied on so much that he’s visibly worn down, but there’s been no other option for Illinois. In the South Dakota victory, though, things looked different. Illinois’s schedule to this point has not been super kind. For the first month of the season, the Illini did not go more than 4 days between games. With this hectic schedule and mounting injuries, there was simply no way for the team to get a rhythm of its own.
Before Saturday, Illinois had an entire week off. Players had to navigate finals week, but in between they were able to rest and practice and adapt to the new reality of their roster without Mike Thorne and Leron Black. This was obviously beneficial, as Illinois ripped off a 14-0 lead to start the game, making 6 of 7 shots in that span.
Also helpful was a similar lineup. Illinois’s lineup only featured one change from the UIC game — Jalen Coleman-Lands in for Aaron Jordan — but it was still the 10th different lineup in 12 games. This has thrown off the rhythm of the team, as guys are unable to know what their role is, either at the tip or off the bench. Making minimal changes, however, really benefitted Illinois on Saturday.
Off the bench, Khalid Lewis knew exactly what was expected when he entered, and he executed. In his last two games, Lewis has dished out 14 assists and turned the ball over just once. That’s the picture of a guy who has learned his role and is getting it done. Likewise, Michael Finke has found a groove in the starting lineup, his 13 points against South Dakota were just a bit under what he did versus UIC (14 points) and his rebounding was even a little improved. Kendrick Nunn also did better on the glass against the Coyotes, grabbing 6 boards, and continued his impressive sidekick act.
Illinois is back in action on Wednesday against Mizzou, but get another seven days of rest before starting conference play. The time off, cumulatively, looks like it could really be the kind of boost Illinois needs. If they can carry forward the quality play of the South Dakota game, rest and momentum could help counteract the effects injuries have had on this roster so far this year. Then, maybe, just maybe, this season won’t be as tough to watch as expected.
