Illinitalk

The Illini didn't quite hold up under pressure, losing 76-74 to Clemson. And that last play caused flashbacks to last season, where the Illini just couldn't pull out close games. But despite the disappointing (and avoidable) loss, there was a lot to like in the play of the Illini. Here are several reasons I think the Illini will not revert to team we saw just miss in close games last year:

• Passing. It's pretty. And unselfish. Reminiscent of 4 years ago, actually. Yes, there were a few passes that could have been crisper or quicker, but the ball changed hands often, especially in the first half. And how about the Frazier pass into the lane for a Davis dunk? Really pretty. Nearly 2/3 of the Illini baskets came off of assists. That's the kind of team I like to watch.
• Free throw shooting. 7-8, compared to Clemson's 6-13. Last year the Illini were on the other side of that equation, and I'm still adjusting to not worrying when the Illini step to the line. Making free throws down the stretch will make all the difference in close games.
• Mike Davis. Wow. 28 points, 8 rebounds, a steal and a block, plus a couple of dunks for the highlight reel. He's fun to watch.
• Chester Frazier. His leadership, tenacity and ball handling have really developed over his time in Champaign. Tonight he had a few more turnovers than usual, but he still racked up 12 assists, a couple key baskets and rebounds, and a strong presence on the floor. Even with a nasty thigh bruise. (And the new look is growing on me, too.)
• Rebounding. Illinois had 30 rebounds to Clemson's 20. Getting out-rebounded is a pet peeve of mine, but this team stayed on the boards really well. And they had 12 offensive rebounds to the Tigers 7, even though it didn't really feel like that.
• The bench. Calvin Brock, Dominique Keller, Richard Semrau and Jeff Jordan came off the bench for key minutes. Keller was 100% from the field, Semrau had 8 rebounds and Calvin hit a big basket. And Jordan gave Chester a much-needed rest. And this will get deeper once Alex Legion is eligible to play.
• Orange Krush. The students are embracing this team and making Assembly Hall a very tough place to play.

But there is plenty of room for improvement, as well. Could the Illini have come out the undefeated team? Definitely. Areas to work on include:

• Conditioning. The Illini kept up with Clemson's pace really well -- for the first 30 minutes of the game. Then they started to tire, and it showed in missed open 3s and the look on Davis' face when he finally got a break. The press wore them out late in the game, and that was a key difference.
• Defending the drive. It was way too easy for Clemson to drive to the basket in the second half. Fatigue may have been part of that, and Mike Davis answered much of the time, but a stop in the lane would have helped.
• Driving to the basket. The last play (or non-play) of the game aside, driving to the basket is not one of the strengths of this team. After all, they only shot 8 free throws. If more driving threats emerge, the Illini will be much harder to defend.
• Turnovers. The Illini got sloppy, especially in the second half. Again, fatigue and the Clemson press were part of that, but taking care of the ball will be critical in the Big Ten.
• Need to control the game. The Illini let the Tigers dictate the pace of the game. They tend to play the opponent's game, instead of setting the tone for the game. The Illini need to learn to take control and play their game.

This was a disappointing loss, a game the Illini let slip away. But Clemson played a great game, using their strengths to come back from 8 down. As long as this doesn't become a pattern, Illini fans should have a pleasantly surprising season as we prepare for the arrival of a couple notable recruiting classes...

Go Illini!

Labels: Chester Frazier, Illini basketball, Mike Davis