Illinois vs. BYU
8:30 pm at the United Center, Chicago
TV: Big Ten Network
Since a brutal Thanksgiving week, Illinois has done well by winning four in a row despite some uneven performances. The first win of that series, against VCU, might be a fitting comparison for Saturday’s opponent, BYU, as they rank similarly by KenPom’s metrics (50 vs. 59, respectively).
The Cougars are a more talented offensive team than any of Illinois’s recent opponents, but have an adjusted offensive efficiency of 109.5, which is similar to Central Michigan’s 108.9. Size helps BYU, though, as their big threat is 6’10” forward Eric Mika. Playing just his second year (because of his Mormon mission), Mika has lit up opponents, averaging 21 points and 8.5 rebounds. John Groce called him “as good a front court player” as his team has seen. Nick Emery and TJ Haws are also big scoring threats that the Illini will have to work hard to neutralize in Chicago.
The game plan for Illinois will revolve around defense: good defense, as in the VCU and CMU, games, is a must. If Illinois plays lackluster when guarding the ball, as in the IUPUI game, this one will get out of hand quickly. The Illini gets to add freshman transfer Kipper Nichols to the squad for this game, but it would be too much to expect a big contribution from his first collegiate game (despite his reported defensive prowess). Instead, Illinois needs its deep, experienced front court of Mike Thorne, Leron Black, Michael Finke, and Maverick Morgan to hold firm.
My predicition: Finke’s best game in a month helps Illinois win a good one at the UC.