The Illinois basketball team is set to face Colgate in a non-conference matchup, sandwiched between two ranked contests. Coming off a significant win over No. 11 Texas Tech, the Illini are now in the national spotlight, and expectations are higher than ever. However, Colgate is not a team to be underestimated, and Illinois needs to be focused to avoid a close game. There are several key questions surrounding the Illini heading into this contest.
One of the main questions is the playing time of Mihailo Petrovic, who was close to playing against Texas Tech. With a lower-level opponent like Colgate, this could be the perfect opportunity to give Petrovic some minutes and figure out how to integrate him into the team without risking chemistry issues. The question is, how much playing time will he receive?
Another concern is how sharp the Illini will look against Colgate. After a big win, it’s natural to look ahead to the next challenge, which is a game against No. 8 Alabama. However, Illinois needs to stay focused and avoid complacency against the Raiders. The team’s performance on Friday night will be a good indicator of their mental state and ability to stay motivated.
The Illini freshmen, particularly David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler, had a subpar game against Texas Tech, combining for 8-of-21 shooting from the field and 1-of-8 from three-point range. They also committed six turnovers, which is a concern. Against Colgate, they will have the opportunity to get back on track and regain their confidence. The key will be to clean up their turnovers and maintain their positive impact on the offense.
Overall, the game against Colgate is a chance for the Illini to fine-tune their game and address some of the questions surrounding the team. With a strong performance, they can build momentum heading into their next ranked contest against Alabama. However, if they come out flat or complacent, they risk a close game or even an upset. The Illini need to stay focused and take care of business against the Raiders.