Fighting Illini to Battle the Fighting Irish in ACC-Big Ten Challenge

With both teams coming off some good wins against their opponents, the two “fighting” teams of the college sports world will take each other on. Illinois sits at 2-4 and had just recently broke a 4-game losing streak when they beat Mississippi Valley State. For Notre Dame, they are sitting on a 3-game winning streak coming into this matchup.

How Illinois Can Win

The Illini need to keep up their scoring offense and ball movement to get a crack at Notre Dame. Obviously the odds are against Illinois, but if this team can hit what they need to get at, they just might win. Look for Illinois to always step up a press defense where they want man-on-man, when it comes to the defensive side. If the Illini can do these things, they might erase an early disgrace of a season.

How Notre Dame Can Win

The Fighting Irish need to take smarter shots from the field when it comes to playing Big Ten teams. Notre Dame currently shoots at a 41.5 FG%, which won’t be enough when it comes to bigger games. Also, Notre Dame wants to create and maintain the level of defense they’ve had all season in their games to this team that is known to put up a lot of points. It’ll be a struggle for Notre Dame, but they should be able to execute this gameplan.

Players to Watch

Illinois: Trent Frazier needs to take control of the back court for Illinois when they take on Notre Dame. Frazier averages 17.6 points a game with 3 assists. Also, Frazier needs to break to the basket often and take smart shots inside or pass it out to others.

Notre Dame: Rex Pflueger went off last week against DePaul and I expect much of the same tonight. Pflueger has a great shot outside from the 3-point range and is a helping rebounding power. Watch for this team to go to Pflueger to run the offense and get Notre Dame to 6 wins on the season.

Score Prediction

Illinois has been struggling all year against great teams and lesser teams alike. And plus, Notre Dame is on a 3-game roll with great defensive displays showing in each one. Look for Notre Dame to give the ACC a point tonight. Notre Dame 84, Illinois 71

Photo Credits: https://und.com/news/2016/1/27/No_25_Notre_Dame_Syracuse_Set_for_Thursday_Evening_Face_Off.aspx?path=mbball