How did Illinois dominate Missouri in their recent game?

Illinois achieved possession dominance against Missouri, winning the second-chance point battle 29-5 and finishing +19 on the glass.

What is Coach Underwood's strategy for the Illini roster?

Coach Underwood built the Illini roster with a focus on gritty play and possession dominance, emphasizing offensive rebounds and second efforts.

Why is possession dominance crucial for the Illinois basketball team?

Controlling the glass and creating extra possessions allows Illinois to win games even without exceptional shooting, making them a more dangerous team.

Home / Sports / Illini Dominate on Glass, Control Possession

Illini Dominate on Glass, Control Possession

3 Jan

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Summary

Illinois achieved possession dominance against Missouri with a 29-5 second-chance point advantage.
Coach Underwood built the roster for possession dominance with players excelling in gritty play.
Winning possession battles, not just shooting, is crucial for Illinois' success, especially away games.

Illini Dominate on Glass, Control Possession

The Illinois Fighting Illini showcased exceptional possession control in their recent game against Missouri, securing a commanding 29-5 advantage in second-chance points. This dominant performance underscored the team's ability to dictate the game's tempo and outcome through aggressive rebounding and relentless effort, proving that consistent winning extends beyond mere shooting prowess.

Head Coach Brad Underwood has intentionally assembled a roster designed for this gritty style of play. Players like freshman guard Keaton Wagler and freshman forward David Mirkovic exemplify this, contributing significantly to offensive rebounds and loose ball recovery. The addition of Zvonimir Ivišić and the veteran leadership of Kylan Boswell further solidify the team's commitment to controlling possessions, a mandatory focus for the Illini.