Nov 22, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) brings the ball down court during the first half against the Chicago State Cougars at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports
We are just inside fifteen minutes away from the Fighting Illini returning to their home hardwood fresh off their recent exciting road victory at UNLV this past Tuesday night. With that win, the Illini improved to 6-0 on the young season.
Tonight’s opponent, the IPFW Mastodons, comes into this contest with a 6-2 record behind a pair of 1 point losses including a season opening loss to Dayton who recently knocked off #11 Gonzaga. The Mastodons are led in scoring by senior forward Luis Jacobo (14.6 ppg). He is also second on the team in rebounding while averaging 5.8 rpg. Overall, this team is very balanced from a scoring perspective as they have 4 different players averaging 10 or more ppg.
This game will be a test to see how Illinois reacts following a tough comeback victory coupled with long travel back across the country. In order to avoid a letdown, the Illini will need to keep doing what has worked for them so far, and that is rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass. Illinois is the second best offensive rebounding team in the Big Ten boasting an impactful 16.7 offensive rebounds per game which the Illini are converting into an additional 15.5 second chance points per game.
The Skinny:
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 at 7 PM CT
Where: State Farm Center
There is no television for this game. You can watch it online on espn3.com.
Join me during the game to live chat, or simply follow along with the comments section below for updates. GO ILLINI!
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. IPFW Mastodons Preview and Live Thread - Writing Illini - Writing Illini - An Illinois Fighting Illini Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.