BYU Cougars

Illinois Basketball: Jaylon Tate Was Big for the Illini

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:29 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Rees Woodcock/FanSided via Writing Illini

The Illinois basketball team moved to 9-3 last night with a big win over the BYU Cougars.

This wasn’t a big win because the Cougars are good, but this was big because Illinois needs to finish 10-3 in the non-conference to really have a shot at the postseason.

Illinois really had some players that impressed me last night.

Tracy Abrams followed up his 31-point performance against Central Michigan with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists night against the Cougars.

I was also impressed with the confidence that Michael Finke possessed as well.

In the previous handful of games, Finke seemed to be hesitant when attempting a three-point shot.  He wasn’t playing well, but I think this game really help him get back in his groove.

But, the one player that I am most pleased with is someone who only scored two points.

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I have been hard on point guard Jaylon Tate the entire season.  I didn’t think he should be the No.2 point guard, and I still think he should be in at least a time share with Te’Jon Lucas.

Last night impressed me, though.  Tate showed that he can get 20 minutes in a game and Illinois can still win.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Tate finished with 2 points and 5 assists in the 20 minutes he was on the court.  He also shot an efficient 100-percent from the field going 1-of-1.

The one thing Tate most impressed me with is his plus-minus on the night.

It seemed like every game before this one, Tate’ plus-minus was always in the negatives, but last night it was actually in the positive.

Illinois only won the game 75-73 with a chance to lose it at the buzzer, but I can’t blame Tate for the game being this close.

In the first half, Tate’s plus-minus was plus eight.  Illinois ended up being up by six points at the half, so that means they were losing by two points with Tate not on the court.

Tate finished the game with a plus-minus of plus seven on the night.  Illinois only won by a total of two points meaning the team was down five points with Tate off the floor.

I call it like I see it and last night Illinois was a better team with Tate on the court.  He might not be an offensive juggernaut, but he helped the team flow and that was important.

I still think Lucas should see a lot more playing time, but right now, Tate is justifying why he deserves 20 minutes per game.

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