David's preview: https://minnesota.rivals.com/news/scouting-illinois
Orange & Blue News: https://illinois.rivals.com/news/preview-illini-travel-to-minnesota
Vegas: Gophers by 6.5
Kenpom: Gophers No. 53, Illinois No. 79
Massey: Gophers No. 44, Illinois No. 112
Illinois of course embarrassed Minnesota a couple weeks ago and just recently beat No. 13 Maryland. They're much better than their 6-14 record.
The key to the game will be how Minnesota can handle the defensive pressure. Illinois will overplay every dribble, pass, shot, and pivot. The Gophers were not ready for that the first time and never could get adjusted. Last game, Murphy and Oturu didn't get very many touches because Minnesota struggled to get in their sets and get any rhythm with Illinois' pressure. Offensively, Illinois will run a lot of four out action based on handoffs which leads to dribble penetration.
The Illini have a young but talented backcourt of Ayo Dosunmu and Trent Frazier. Both Dosunmu, Frazier, and fellow guard Aaron Jordan are great three-point shooters. Center Giorgi Bezhanishvili put up a 20/8 statline against Minnesota last game and is a great scorer with his back to the basket.
Orange & Blue News: https://illinois.rivals.com/news/preview-illini-travel-to-minnesota
Vegas: Gophers by 6.5
Kenpom: Gophers No. 53, Illinois No. 79
Massey: Gophers No. 44, Illinois No. 112
Illinois of course embarrassed Minnesota a couple weeks ago and just recently beat No. 13 Maryland. They're much better than their 6-14 record.
The key to the game will be how Minnesota can handle the defensive pressure. Illinois will overplay every dribble, pass, shot, and pivot. The Gophers were not ready for that the first time and never could get adjusted. Last game, Murphy and Oturu didn't get very many touches because Minnesota struggled to get in their sets and get any rhythm with Illinois' pressure. Offensively, Illinois will run a lot of four out action based on handoffs which leads to dribble penetration.
The Illini have a young but talented backcourt of Ayo Dosunmu and Trent Frazier. Both Dosunmu, Frazier, and fellow guard Aaron Jordan are great three-point shooters. Center Giorgi Bezhanishvili put up a 20/8 statline against Minnesota last game and is a great scorer with his back to the basket.
