Pregame: Illinois at Ohio State, Thursday, March 5th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN
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Didn't Giorgi have a big game in Columbus last year. Seems to remember him hitting some big shots and have some big blocks. Obviously, he'll be playing different position and it is a different year, but like the way you're thinking.
Illini_1979
- Oregon
What's going on here? We have two correct spellings of Giorgi in the same post. Well done to you both! Go Illini.
Motivators jump up another notch for the Illini with Maryland loss. Who would have dreamed our guys would be battling for a B1G title with two games to go after losing to Md. and MSU by 1 point.
Thanks for pointing that out Urban. I am old and was reading those tiny printed standings on ESPN without reading glasses and was actually looking at Purdue's record of 8-10. Sounded about right to me as I knew OSU lost about 25 or so in a row in Jan. You are correct. So.....just go beat 'em with great coverage on their perimeter shooters and keep Kofi on the floor for all of Wesson's fakes.
Wait tourney games count?
Deleted member 746654
D
Guest
Things just got more interesting
Yup, and should give us more energy and focus. There might be a pucker factor for a couple of guys...but why not look at it as playing with house money and without fear. Not one single person thought they would get to this spot as they looked at Ayo writhing on the floor in pain and the Illini a point shy and taking their fourth consecutive loss. The B1G title hopes were dead....but they seemingly learned something from Jesus to sit once again at the top of the B1G almighty. They aren't very good....but they are good enough to beat (or get beaten by) anyone else. Go beat the Buck/Hawk/eyes!!!
Robert from illiniboard thinks this is the biggest Illini sporting event since the rose bowl. Agree or disagree?
Round of 32 versus Miami .... come on Robert.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
It's a hot take, but I like it.
It's big. If we're the big boy program we think we are now, we respond and take it to OSU and Iowa to end the season. If not, we crumble.
We may or may not win, but I am pretty sure we won't crumble.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Your lips to God's ears.
Honestly, I'd be okay losing at OSU since it's a road game. I want to crush Iowa. I'm watching Purdue at Iowa right now and the urge to throw something through Garza's face is hard to resist.
Winning a B1G championship is bigger than winning a round of 32 game IMO.
kiwanegarris22
- South Carolina
I disagree 100%. There may be five teams claiming a Big 10 championship this year --- those tying for the regular season title and then splitting it with the tournament champ. Making it to the Sweet 16, on the other hand, and playing on the 2nd weekend of the NCAA tournament will be HUGE for recruiting. That means that newspapers and ESPN/FOX will be talking about us for nearly two weeks after the Big 10 season is over!
haasi
- New York
also Turgeon and Fran’s chances took a blow tonight. Gard has a decent shot. Will definitely come down to the final week here.
Strongly disagree....but which Rose Bowl? '63 was pretty amazing....but Illini hoops have won huge and meaningful games routinely over the 7 decades I have been watching. This one is pretty meaningful because of who these guys are and from where they...and the program...have come. Will they be loose and motivated or nervous and tight? A few will fall in both camps. Not as important for OSU who wants to put the upstarts in their place. Well, I was at courtside in Bloomington in 63 when the Hoosiers put Gary Brads and the Buckeyes in their place giving the Illini a B1G title and we don't need no stinkin' Hoosiers to help us this time. Just score more points and everything is fine.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I agree with Robert, actually. It’s never felt like *taking a LEGITIMATE next step* was so close and ... realistic. Including Groce’s first year, the 6-0 football team or any other moment.
I'd like a repeat of this, please.
(2:50 is the beginning of the "Ayo ice in his veins" legend!)
EDIT: I guess Ayo iced it vs. Michigan State last year before this OSU one, huh? Here are his epic ice shots to date:
2019 vs. #9 Michigan State
2019 at Ohio State
2020 at Michigan
2020 at #9 Penn State
2020 vs. Indiana
Any others I'm missing?? GOD, we are lucky to have him.
Missing the stepback crossover 3 at Wisky this year
Does beating OSU give Illini a B1G championship? Could make an argument for the Iowa game if Illini win this game (and we have chance for B1G title still), but not for the game that gets us to the game that might lead to a B1G championship. Under “normal” circumstances, I’d still go with round of 32 game over Iowa game, but considering where program has been of late I’d pick the Iowa game. But Thursday’s game? No.
Watching the Big 10 the last 3 days, it seems the team that brings the intensity prevails.
If we bring the intensity for both halves at OSU we can prevail.
“We know what’s at task. We know what we can accomplish. We gotta just keep winning,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “It’s going to come down to who wants it more.”
If we bring the intensity for both halves at OSU we can prevail.
“We know what’s at task. We know what we can accomplish. We gotta just keep winning,” Ayo Dosunmu said. “It’s going to come down to who wants it more.”
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Yes....until the next one
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