Wisconsin again

[12xu]

As expected, the Badgers will be the Illini's first opponent in the Big Ten tournament. They had a tough time with Washington, but prevailed 85-82. Badger guards Blackwell and Boyd led the way with 34 and 23 pts respectively. Obviously the Illini must try to contain those two, whom they could not handle in the previous meeting, when Wisconsin won in OT in Champaign. The talented duo put up 49 pts together in that contest, with another 19 pts coming from Austin Rapp, a bench player who only scored 3 pts vs Washington yesterday.

Washington outrebounded the Badgers 42-28 yesterday, and the Illini need to win the battle in the paint. They did in their first meeting with Wisconsin, but only by 36-34, and the Badgers had more offensive rebounds, 13-8. That should not happen today. Wisconsin just does not have much size, and Illinois needs to take advantage of that situation. I hope the Illini do not rely too much on shooting treys today.

The Illini did not have Boswell or Stojakovic available in that loss to Wisconsin back in early February, and they will both be playing today. That should make a huge difference in both offense and defense.

[Rickster]

if the shooting slump continues, it's going to be a short post-season

[ChiefSTL]

Need to get this one. We are in a battle with Iowa State for that last 2 seed. It sure seems likely that in some capacity, us and Iowa State are gonna be the 2/3 in St. Louis in the first round. After this game, I don't care too much, just so long as we play good ball and see shots going down.

[12xu]

Need to get this one. We are in a battle with Iowa State for that last 2 seed. It sure seems likely that in some capacity, us and Iowa State are gonna be the 2/3 in St. Louis in the first round. After this game, I don't care too much, just so long as we play good ball and see shots going down.

Yes they have to win vs Wisconsin to get a #2 seed. Even if they lose to Michigan, I think they will still get it.

[12xu]

if the shooting slump continues, it's going to be a short post-season

True. Not just shooting threes, but making free throws. Failure from the charity stripe down the stretch vs Wisconsin in February was a huge factor. The Illini were only 11 of 19 on FT in that game.

[Rickster]

if the shooting slump continues, it's going to be a short post-season

True. Not just shooting threes, but making free throws. Failure from the charity stripe down the stretch vs Wisconsin in February was a huge factor. The Illini were only 11 of 19 on FT in that game.

Ivisic bros are a combined 1-6 from trey in the first. they have GOT to start making some shots.

[12xu]

if the shooting slump continues, it's going to be a short post-season

True. Not just shooting threes, but making free throws. Failure from the charity stripe down the stretch vs Wisconsin in February was a huge factor. The Illini were only 11 of 19 on FT in that game.

Ivisic bros are a combined 1-6 from trey in the first. they have GOT to start making some shots.

IMO they both need to make dunks and layups. Wisconsin has no defense for them inside. They have both been ice cold from threes for several games now - less than 15%

[12xu]

Greg Gard outfoxed Underwood once again

[Rickster]

Greg Gard outfoxed Underwood once again

that's pretty easy to do ...I can't wait to hear Latulip describe more of this "they can fix that" defense. There are schemes and sets that can help reduce effortless penetration by quick guards. Our coach doesn't believe in any of them.

ooof....well it was a fun season anyway. The potential was there, but a lack of coaching and athleticism and versatility is going to lead to post-season easy out. 29% trey shooting instead of 41% makes this team pretty easy to beat by any team with good guard play and some bigs willing to rebound.

I've seen some projections showing a possible round 2 matchup in here in STL against SLU. Of course that was when we were still a projected #2 seed. Not sure we'll get that now. But that would be kind of fun to watch that big guy who wears goggles go up against the Ivisic bros. He'd probably put up 30.

[12xu]

I think the Illini will get a 3 seed now.

[FrankTheTank]

Yeah I think it is a 3-seed pretty much for certain now.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story ... redictions

#3 seed vs. #14 seed Wright State
Second round match-up would be the winner of #6 Louisville and the winner of the play-in game (VCU vs. Missouri). In St. Louis, that would be something.

[Rickster]

Yeah I think it is a 3-seed pretty much for certain now.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story ... redictions

#3 seed vs. #14 seed Wright State
Second round match-up would be the winner of #6 Louisville and the winner of the play-in game (VCU vs. Missouri). In St. Louis, that would be something.

Louisville has a really good guard who will probably get 35 pts.