Purdue Basketball Illinois Preview

Illinois is a different team with key players back. Can Purdue overcome tough matchups and hit shots to win? It's uncertain.

Illinois is coming into this game against Purdue with a different team from their previous matchup at Mackey. All-American Terrance Shannon is back from suspension, and Justin Harmon is now a starter, making two significant changes to their starting lineup. However, with these additions, there are also adjustments to playing time, as Luke Goode seems to be the minutes casualty with Shannon's return.

Shannon's presence on the court poses a challenge for Purdue, as he is a dynamic player known for his speed and aggression, particularly in transition. His ability to draw fouls and finish at the rim makes him a threat that Purdue will need to address. Additionally, Marcus Domask presents another matchup concern for Purdue, as he had a strong performance in the previous game, scoring 26 points and causing problems for Purdue's defense.

Quincy Guerrier, Kaufman-Renn, and Coleman-Hawkins are other key players to watch in this game, each bringing their own strengths and challenges for Purdue. Illinois' offense is formidable, ranking third in efficiency nationally, but their defense has been inconsistent, which could be an area for Purdue to exploit.

Purdue will need to focus on hitting their shots, particularly from beyond the arc, to have success in this game. The team's ability to execute their game plan and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial in determining the outcome. While KenPom sees this game as a toss-up, with a slight edge to Purdue, the unpredictability of shooting performance adds an element of uncertainty to the matchup.

Ultimately, this game has the potential to be an exciting showdown between two high-powered offenses, with both teams vying for a crucial victory. Purdue will need to bring their A-game to overcome the challenges posed by Illinois and secure a win on the road.