"Through the first half of last season, Illinois looked like a legitimate Final Four contender. The Fighting Illini started 12-3, with wins over Wisconsin, Missouri, Oregon and Arkansas. But they would go 5-8 in their next 13 games, proving to be something of a paper tiger. In games against Quad 4 opponents, they had the best defensive rating in the country at CBB Analytics. In Quad 1 games, they were 82nd."
"The Illini's 88-82 win at Purdue on Saturday gave them some separation at the top of KenPom's offensive ratings -- in fact, they now have the highest offensive rating in the history of KenPom (since the 1996-97 season). They've won nine games in a row dating back to mid-December, and their only three losses this season have come by 3 points to Nebraska, 4 to Alabama and 4 to UConn at Madison Square Garden."
Illinois began last season strong but then slipped, going 5-8 over a 13-game stretch and showing a gulf between Quad 4 and Quad 1 performance. This season Illinois has a nine-game winning streak and owns the highest offensive rating in KenPom history, with only three narrow losses. The roster blends perimeter shooting with the nation's tallest average height and elite offensive rebounding. Defensively the team protects the rim and avoids fouling. The schedule becomes tougher soon and Kylan Boswell remains out for several games, yet the team shows more staying power than a year ago.
Read at ESPN.com
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