sweet 16?

[Rickster]

maybe...dropped to a #3 seed but got a good draw I think. If it's chalk and we get NC in round 2, they are without Caleb Wilson.

[12xu]

If they can get by Penn in their first game, I don't like their chances vs NC in Greenville, SC no matter how weak the Tar Heels are right now. Mostly just because the Illini have played so poorly in their last 5 games - other than the blowout vs a very bad Oregon team.

[Rickster]

Bilas picked Illini to get to Elite 8. Latulip is STILL optimistic.

I'm with you...my optimism has faded because the shooting has faded (due to fatigue IMO) and this team just can't defend well enough.

Can they shoot lights out and beat anyone on any given night? Yeah, sure...we've seen them do it. A 15-33 night from trey and they could knock off anyone by just outscoring them. But I doubt they could do that multiple games in a row.

[ChiefSTL]

My confidence with this team has definitely taken a hit the last 2 months. I think we got a pretty decent draw for the first 2 rounds. North Carolina without Caleb Wilson is not the same. I think Sampson will have our number though with their athleticism and his coaching. Unless Tomi finds his shot and becomes a factor, I don't have much hope beyond the S16.

[Rickster]

agreed ...I'm going to keep reminding myself that whining about a team that wins 24 games and draws a 3 seed is pretty petty. Enjoy the ride is my mantra. As I've said before, I can still remember (and feel in my bones) the Groce teams who tried to hold scores around 50 and put up 9-10 wins a year. Teams like this year can spoil fans.

I'm just happy they got the late game so I don't have to play hookie for work and I can watch at home in the evening.

[ChiefSTL]

Yeah, it's tough to get too down about a program that got a 3 seed with a mostly rebuilt roster, and tied for 2nd in the toughest basketball conference. We all want that illusive title, and won't be happy until we get it though. Going 7 years through the Groce era and the beginning of Underwood is just crazy to think about.

[Rickster]

Big Ten is already 0-2.

[12xu]

UNC knocked out by VCU in OT. Illini won't see them if they win tonight - but VCU is red hot - have won 17 of their last 18.

[12xu]

Big Ten is already 0-2.

MSU, Michigan, and Nebraska have all won their first round game, so the Big Ten is now 3-2.

[12xu]

Mirkovic with a tremendous performance vs Penn: 29 pts., 17 rebounds - 8 offensive boards. Wagler with 18 pts., 7 assists, and 7 rebounds. First half was so-so, but the team played a dominating second half. Next comes the cinderella boys - VCU tomorrow at 7:50 - better look out for guard Hill who scored 34 pts in their upset of UNC.

[Rickster]

I knew there was a reason I said early in the year that Mirkovic was my overall favorite player.

What was in those brownies I ate last night? ...I thought I saw the Illini attack the paint in the 2nd half and use their size advantage.

Weird.

[Rickster]

the answer is "yes" ....they will get to the sweet 16

Stoya brought it. Best defensive effort in a long time by the whole team. Balanced scoring. This is a good time for Tomi to come back to life.

2 things stood out to me:

- first of course was that sequence by Big Z ...block a dunk at one end, then run the floor and get a highlight reel tomahawk dunk at the other end. Sweet.

- second, out of the timeout right before halftime, VCU has the possession with about 20 seconds left....and we SWITCHED UP DEFENSE to mess them up. I about spit up my beer. Actual coaching in an actual game situation. and it worked...a zone trap forced them to stay away from their offense and put up a bad shot. Nice.