We did force them into several turnovers and bad shots, the zone really worked against them, mostly because of our good size inside. We've just got to get better at boxing out when in zone and I think it can be a very effective tool for us going forward
Illinois 64, VCU 46 POSTGAME
We did force them into several turnovers and bad shots, the zone really worked against them, mostly because of our good size inside. We've just got to get better at boxing out when in zone and I think it can be a very effective tool for us going forward
VCU is likely a bubble team but that's still a top 50 win on a neutral court. If we can beat BYU, that'll be 3 good wins for the resume.
Great game despite a slow start shooting. Obviously a monster game by LB. really great by Tracy. Despite the hate, Tate did his job well today. Hoped the bugs would get more against VCU's size, but they didn't really hurt us. And yes, Groce did his job well today. Happy Saturday to everyone who actively roots for this team, coach, and all of our players to do well.
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illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
What was with the offensive fouls called on Malcom? They weren't even close I thought.
We were up 8 when he got hurt in the first half though. It's not like they were destroying us until he got hurt
The second one looked like the ref proving a point. The first was pretty bad but the second was clearly a block.
Deleted member 29907
D
Guest
We had a lot to do with that. VCU is limited on offense and it showed.
Deleted member 29907
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+1 and he was not much of a factor before that.
illynifan34
That's a winner!!
- OH
That's what I'm saying though. What point did the ref think he was making? That he's in charge? That's not his job. Just awful.
It's not that I (we) root against him, I (we) think the team is better when Tejon is playing well enough to take those minutes today. Today he may not have been, and that's something the team had to overcome.
Personally, aside from 1 turnover when he dribbled off his foot, I didn't see subpar play from TJL today, just a short leash.
Thought Tate played well overall today. He should be able to provide quality PT if he takes care of ball and in the game with 3 or preferrably 4 offensive minded players. Thought this was decent game for individual and team confidence except for Finke. Hopefully he can get some good looks and makes next game.
Woo hoo!!! That's why I am talking about. Working at VCU I couldn't have survived losing this one. Played well and tough D tonight - loved it!
The zone has been a nice weapon this year. Great to see JCL taking the ball to the hole more often. Finish off the non-conference season strong and we're in decent shape.
What's funny about that is, when we win, the other team "played like crap", but when we lose, "we suck", "are the worst team ever", etc. Maybe sometimes, we just get a win by outplaying someone. We were better than them today. On to the next game...
Finke appears hesitant to shoot. Needs to get over that, he has the green light
IlliniRon
Illini Basketball Fan Forever
- Ft Worth, Texas
Nice well-played game today. Despite some issues hitting shots at times, we got it together in both halves. The defense was solid and Coach Groce seems to have a better idea of how to get the players working together on the court. Leron Black looks like a different player out there now, quality shots and rebounding. Our depth is pretty impressive when they substitute as regularly as they did today. Much more optimistic after this past 2 games.
I am cautiously optimistic... first time I feel this way since we beat Baylor with Rayvonte
Offense was pretty sluggish most of the game, then we had a very nice burst in the last 5 minutes or so.
Leron the player of the game, JCL the player of the last 5 minutes.
VCU does not appear to be good in half court, nor good against zone. Who knows, maybe it just wasn't their day.
I've been hard on the guy so time for props to Groce and staff. A well coached game today by him and staff.
Very nicely done, Illini. Very nicely done.
Leron the player of the game, JCL the player of the last 5 minutes.
VCU does not appear to be good in half court, nor good against zone. Who knows, maybe it just wasn't their day.
I've been hard on the guy so time for props to Groce and staff. A well coached game today by him and staff.
Very nicely done, Illini. Very nicely done.
I think it suits this roster better. Not many strong individual defenders
What's funny about that is, when we win, the other team "played like crap", but when we lose, "we suck", "are the worst team ever", etc. Maybe sometimes, we just get a win by outplaying someone. We were better than them today. On to the next game...
When you come in as an underdog & win by 18. Just maybe our guys should get some credit.
Exactly my point. :thumb:
RedRocksIllini
- Morrison, CO
Really like the direction Leron Black has taken this season. He had another outstanding game...looking forward to having him on the team for 2+ more years. Thought he was our best player today. And hats off to JCL...shots weren't dropping from 3 but he found ways to score inside. Hope that continues for him. He could be extremely good with that added dimension. Nice win all the way around for the team.