KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
We have a very favorable back half to our schedule. 2 games against Penn State, a game against Northwestern, Rutgers and Indiana at home. All 5 of those games are very winnable imo.
Illinois 71, Nebraska 64 POSTGAME
sacraig
- The desert
I mean, that's really not true. We outplayed them pretty much top to bottom until we simply couldn't hit the free throws at the end. We should have and did win. If they had won at the end, it would have been a situation where we were the better team today and blew it.
The defense is definitely improved from the beginning of the year.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
So we're a long way from a finished product, we still do a lot of things wrong on defense and lack shooting and development is far from a guarantee, etc.
HOWEVER
The way we're playing of late there's every reason to think we could end up with 7 or 8 B1G wins. Accomplish that, bring all your major pieces back, sign our recruiting class and put another offseason of work into these guys, finally as a team and not as strangers who just met each other? That's cause for real optimism going into next year.
Suddenly the patient has a heartbeat, is what I'm saying.
HOWEVER
The way we're playing of late there's every reason to think we could end up with 7 or 8 B1G wins. Accomplish that, bring all your major pieces back, sign our recruiting class and put another offseason of work into these guys, finally as a team and not as strangers who just met each other? That's cause for real optimism going into next year.
Suddenly the patient has a heartbeat, is what I'm saying.
Vegas 
. Beat ya.
. Beat ya.mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
Nebraska shot 35% from the field, 13% from 3, 52% from the FT line. They shot poorly from the FT line (so did Illinois), Illinois forced tough shots, therefore limiting Nebraska's ability to convert the offensive rebounds. There is nothing there that says they shouldn't won.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Also, Ayo would have had 15 assists in that game if his teammates could finish
Deleted member 29907
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Not to post a negative thought but.... It was nice to see Watson crash and burn today.
Ayo Dosunmu is the best freshman in Illinois basketball history. Agree or Disagree?
We have a very good chance to avoid playing on Wednesday in the Big Ten Tournament. Not that that's a huge accomplishment, but pretty good considering how this season began and the last couple seasons. If Ayo stays, we could really make some noise next year.
Deleted member 236589
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What a difference in how this team is being viewed. This is a team that's clearly, clearly getting better. If they can finish the rest of the Big Ten season 5-4, putting them at 8-12 overall.....that would be a wildly successful season given the youth of this group collectively, the schedule that they've played and the growth that's unfolding right before our eyes.
A month ago, I didn't see this team winning more than one conference game. Totally different feeling, especially at home. They LOOK like they belong.
A month ago, I didn't see this team winning more than one conference game. Totally different feeling, especially at home. They LOOK like they belong.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Would definitely be top 5
Deleted member 645583
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So happy for Kipper; so is Coach. Watching post-game show: BTN guy said Illinois is the best 7-win team in the country! Brutal schedule hurt. But heck, they'll be tougher next season for it. Now, I say. get ready for the BIG tourney and surprise.
Re: FTs. Kipper or Ayo said Illini had extra FT shooting practice the other day. More is needed. But a great win
Re: FTs. Kipper or Ayo said Illini had extra FT shooting practice the other day. More is needed. But a great win
Deleted member 29907
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Agree - they are rushing their FTs - almost too casual at the line.
Disagree..dee brown for one...must be others
Deleted member 500209
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Interesting enough question to warrant its own thread rather than lost in this game thread. I am interested in seeing the opinions and stats that will come out of this.
Deleted member 645583
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I agree. Just like golf or really any sport, you've got to have a trigger, a pre-swing, pre-shot routine. Slow it down a bit, guys.
Frankie