By Greg Mroz
Champaign, Ill – Here is the rapid reaction from the 1st half of Illinois and Northwestern.
1. 10 minute field goal droughts hurt.
Boy did this ever hurt Northwestern. After a Bryant McIntosh floater made it 12-9 Illinois with 16:23 left in the half, Northwestern didnt make another bucket until the 5:58 mark. By that point, the Illini lead 30-14. Regardless of the type of defense that you play, no team can survive not scoring for ten minutes. It feels like the Michigan State game all over again
2. Illinois can fill it
The Illini went 9 for 16 from 3 point range in the first half, and got countless open looks. Similar to the Indiana game, the 2-3 zone is allowing open outside shots, but unlike the Hoosiers, the Illini are also willing to drive the baseline. Even though they only shoot a touch under 42 percent from the field on the season, Illinois is a team with streaky shooters. It will be interesting to see if the Illini cool off in the 2nd half or if the pace will continue.
3. Vic Law is not following the law
Three fouls, three turnovers and no field goals in the first half. Law does not look like the same person who scored in double figures the past two games. Either the focus is not there again or he is just having a bad game. Regardless, the Wildcats play their best when Law is on his game, and that has been far from the case thus far.