Six reasons why Iowa should beat Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The only "must-wins" are wars. That said, Iowa really needs to beat Illinois tonight here in men's basketball.

Why?

1. Iowa has more good players.

2. The bench players Illinois uses are all freshmen, and none average over 4 points per game.

3. Illinois has lost six games in a row, by an average margin of 11.7 points.

4. The Illini have shot 36.2 percent from the field in Big Ten games, and just 25.8 percent from 3-point distance. That's not good.

5. Illinois isn't a good rebounding team.

6. Iowa has played 21 games and lost five. None of the five were against teams that aren't currently ranked. Illinois is a long way from being ranked.

That's all.

And now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to a Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Champaign. Don't judge me, I ate salad last night.