Illinois 76, Michigan 53 Postgame

[grue2]

I got a major surprise when looking at the stats for today's game. One ILL player was actually negative in the +/- column (-1). Having watched the game, I would never have guess who -- Curbelo.

With his vision and handles I expect he will become an Illini all time great; though getting on that list got two steps harder this year. If either of Damonte or Frazier come back, I hope they spend a lot of the summer working with Curbelo on his defense. He will eventually figure out to not stop in the middle of traffic on his own. Then look out.

The high +/- people today? Damonte, Frazier and Grandison. Take a bow guys.

 

[CDRUSN]

Piling up these convincing wins on the home courts of tough Big Ten nationally ranked teams will put us in good stead when the starter's pistol kicks off the NCAA dance. Who does Gonzaga play on a regular basis anyway? The Pacific U Surfers? St. Mary's Vocational School for Troubled Teens? Pepperdine U Filthy Rich?, The Portland Antifa? West Idaho Institute for the Criminally Insane? They are in for a shock when facing tough and talented teams on the regular when it really counts. I am personally more concerned about Baylor down the road.

 

[Johnny Lawrence]

I went during last half of second half. Mostly pissed at their team about getting steam rolled and having no heart. Not much complimentary about Illini, and some comments about Illini being smug pricks. But to be honest Illini players do yap a bit, and I can see other fans not enjoying that —especially when getting trounced.

I wound't want it any other way.

 

[AEX]

As much as Howard has been admonished this season for the whole scheduling thing, and perhaps rightly so, I actually appreciated his post-game interview. Not petulant and whinny like Fran or Izzy. Was quick to tip his hat to the illini. Used the correct names. Took accountability. You know, actually behaved as a professional.

Oh, and more importantly, I haven’t enjoyed an Illinois game that much in YEARS. I love this team.

 

[Gregjacksonfan]

Piling up these convincing wins on the home courts of tough Big Ten nationally ranked teams will put us in good stead when the starter's pistol kicks off the NCAA dance. Who does Gonzaga play on a regular basis anyway? The Pacific U Surfers? St. Mary's Vocational School for Troubled Teens? Pepperdine U Filthy Rich?, The Portland Antifa? West Idaho Institute for the Criminally Insane? They are in for a shock when facing tough and talented teams on the regular when it really counts. I am personally more concerned about Baylor down the road.

Post of the night

 

[jmm]

If that game is not your recruiting pitch....

 

[TarheelIllini]

I expect Michigan to punk MSU X2. We match up well against Michigan, given the ability of our guards to break down Michigan's extended on-ball pressure, plus we had a big that required a lot of attention, and we had a big that could guard Dickinson without a double team. MSU has none of those things.

 

[GallopingGhost]

Wonder if K- Mart boy will stop by

Someone forgot to refill the Michigan zippo with Butane

 

[thehass]

This was one of those games that Michigan will want to forget and will undoubtedly learn much from. We showed the type team we can be and need to be for the remainder of the season because it's getting close to the one and done part of the season.

 

[IllinistuckinGopherland]

In other rankings news, Trent Frazier just moved up in the all time Illini rankings. Everyone has their own list, but Trent moves up.

 

[Piotyr]

Someone forgot to refill the Michigan zippo with Butane

The Illini took their sticks and brought their own stones to the party, and we all know what sticks and stones will do.

 

[VA Illini Chief]

At the end of the game while they are showing Howard sulking on sideline in his Michigan mask I asked my daughter sarcastically, "What is this Yellow M with this blue color even stand for?" 8 year girl replies without hesitation, "Mustard". Beautiful

 

[Illini13]

Oh yeah

 

[WhiteHorseWings]

Juwan Howard still has not beaten Illinois

Um, he never lost as a player.

 

[New Creation]

Tonight and the last 2 games have been a really great coaching job by BU. We really snagged a great coach.. imagine losing Deron the game we go into Wake forest to face Chris Paul. Do we still win by 20+ ?

Tonight was really impressive. We were getting hot last year at this time.... and now we are getting hot again... that is a sign of coaching. Playing our best ball in March.

Man, it feels good after the last 10 years... I was on campus during our Final 4 year.. its been a long haul. but this year has been worth it the wait as a fan!

 

[BretMyBeachHouse]

Tonight and the last 2 games have been a really great coaching job by BU. We really snagged a great coach.. imagine losing Deron the game we go into Wake forest to face Chris Paul. Do we still win by 20+ ?

Tonight was really impressive. We were getting hot last year at this time.... and now we are getting hot again... that is a sign of coaching. Playing our best ball in March.

Man, it feels good after the last 10 years... I was on campus during our Final 4 year.. its been a long haul. but this year has been worth it the wait as a fan!

well, Wake came here first.

Second, it was pretty amazing that game because (if I'm recalling correctly) Deron had early foul trouble and the big lead was built up largely with him on the sidelines.

But yes, this is in the top 5 epic beat down games I have to imagine.

 

[Poe's Law]

I got a major surprise when looking at the stats for today's game. One ILL player was actually negative in the +/- column (-1). Having watched the game, I would never have guess who -- Curbelo.

With his vision and handles I expect he will become an Illini all time great; though getting on that list got two steps harder this year. If either of Damonte or Frazier come back, I hope they spend a lot of the summer working with Curbelo on his defense. He will eventually figure out to not stop in the middle of traffic on his own. Then look out.

The high +/- people today? Damonte, Frazier and Grandison. Take a bow guys.

Where are you finding box scores with +/-? Werner (I think) tweeted that Miller was the leader at half with +16.

 

[AirNeezy]

This win was fantastic. Now we must show we can be consistent.

We've literally won 10 out of our last 11 ffs, what more do you want?! Just enjoy the greatness of this team.

 

[kyillinifan]

I
When we win Sat and Mi loses twice to MSU do we win the BT.

 

[Deleted member 11228]

I
When we win Sat and Mi loses twice to MSU do we win the BT.

Yes

 

[Epsilon]

Anyone know the soundtrack to the highlight video?

 

[Se Il Illini]

The best example of "Next man up" that I have seen in a long time.

 

[WhiteHorseWings]

We can lose and be a #1. After tonight there isn't another team outside of Gonzaga, Michigan and Baylor that has a case. Our Q1 wins, SOS, NET ranking says so

So far yes but if OSU beats us and then wins the BTT beating 2 of IL, UM and Iowa you can’t say that anymore

 

[Fighter of the Nightman]

Is it even remotely debatable that this is the best game we have put together since 2005? I mean, without our All-American, too?! Holy smokes, if we play defense like that, we absolutely can win this program's first National Championship. The more I think about that game, the more excited I get.

We just embarrassed #2 on their home floor, guys ... and it wasn't some #2 in November that was overhyped; Michigan has earned their ranking. There is no doubt we belong among the NC contenders, and I cannot wait to watch this team just continue to play ball.

Let's go beat OSU and hope for two MSU wins!

P.S. If we beat OSU and MSU beats Michigan at least once, I honestly think the circumstances call for crowning us "co-champs" with Michigan if you aren't going to make them play all 20.

 

[201154JC]

It should have been 24. Can anyone explain why Coleman Hawkins only shot one free throw in that last possession? Bizarre.

He shot two. First barely drew iron. Camera was off him. I saw the first one hit the front rim. I L L....