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.