Illinois 76, Michigan 53 Postgame

#351      
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.
meh. that was a 4 minute press conference and he took maybe 3 questions. two from mccolley. coach underwood has 20 minute press conferences win or lose.
 
#352      

blackdog

Champaign
I haven't seen a ton of love for Grandison but he has started to become a big time contributor recently. He didn't score as much today and only took 2 shots but had 6 rebounds including 3 offensive, 5 assists, and 1 steal with only 1 turnover. Hes looking a lot more locked in on defense and not getting lost as much. Combine that with some confidence and solid shooting on offense and he can be a big time difference maker without needing a lot of usage. I was loving Bilas breaking down that horns set they used with Trent, Grandison, and Kofi. That only works because Grandison is a threat to knock down the 3 and also is really good with his entry passes.
 
#353      
I am aware of that. I am just not sure how the results of other games would push Iowa back in front of us. It clearly must have to do with teams we and they have played who perform a certain way and therefore affect our respective efficiencies, but the result just doesn't pass the completely unscientific smell test.
Pomeroy's primary metric is adjusted efficiency margin and the distances between ranks don't have to be equal. Right now, it has Illinois and Iowa virtually tied with both listed at 29.55. So it's not like there needed to be a ton of movement for the two teams to change places. There's a huge gap after the top six -- we're closer to Michigan at #2 than we are to OSU at #7.
 
#354      

SampsonRelpenk

Edwardsville, IL
I was at work during the game tonight and tried listening on the radio, but after a few minutes shut it off because it was too distracting/stressful lol. One of my goober friends spoiled the result before I could get home to watch on DVR but I couldn't care less. Already rewatching the game, this time with the Spanish broadcast. I work again in the morning but eff that, the only thing I'm laying to rest is more celebratory beers.

You can't overstate how significant this result is. AND WE DESERVE IT.
 
#355      
I was at work during the game tonight and tried listening on the radio, but after a few minutes shut it off because it was too distracting/stressful lol. One of my goober friends spoiled the result before I could get home to watch on DVR but I couldn't care less. Already rewatching the game, this time with the Spanish broadcast. I work again in the morning but eff that, the only thing I'm laying to rest is more celebratory beers.

You can't overstate how significant this result is. AND WE DESERVE IT.
The sense of nostalgia while watching this game was maybe more enjoyable than the game itself. Felt like the Illini of old are officially back.
 
#356      

SampsonRelpenk

Edwardsville, IL
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This moment on a poster please.
 
#357      
I'm not really concerned with being big ten champ. If we get it great if not we use it as a chip on our shoulder. I want that NCAA title more. Great win tonight. But as I said to myself last Tuesday. It's only one win. Now let's go pay back Ohio State. Then let the chips fall. ILL
I agree. Focus on what we control and strategically helps us the most. It’s all about the number one seed. Win at Columbus and it’s clinched. We may have clinched it anyway.
 
#358      
I haven't seen a ton of love for Grandison but he has started to become a big time contributor recently. He didn't score as much today and only took 2 shots but had 6 rebounds including 3 offensive, 5 assists, and 1 steal with only 1 turnover. Hes looking a lot more locked in on defense and not getting lost as much. Combine that with some confidence and solid shooting on offense and he can be a big time difference maker without needing a lot of usage. I was loving Bilas breaking down that horns set they used with Trent, Grandison, and Kofi. That only works because Grandison is a threat to knock down the 3 and also is really good with his entry passes.
I thought our team turned a corner when Grandison made his way into the lineup. He's been a huge piece of the puzzle in the second half of the season.
 
#359      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
First time I ever posted from my phone as I'm bedridden with intense back and leg pain but I had to join my fellow illini fanatics following the beatdown of scUM..
Great effort...I love this team with all my heart...
Time to take a pain pill and dream sweet O & B dreams..
Peace out brothers...

You gotta be careful with those dance moves!!

917128da50c0c1a29cc1a9de4d8d6506.gif
 
#360      

Deleted member 29907

D
Guest
Does Illinois play better without Ayo???
We play with urgency from the tipoff because we know we can not rely on his heroics at the end of a game. With Ayo in, there is more of a hero comeback vibe to this team. We need to play with our hair on fire from the start and put teams away right away.

This is a clear challenge to Ayo to get his team to continue to play at this level when he comes back.
 
#362      
agreed

And i dont want to hear "they probably would win those 3 games anyway" either. You play the damn games to determine a winner. We played 7 games in like 15 days? Why couldnt they do a llittle more to play their 20?

At the end of the day if we go 16-4 and they go even 15-2, its not a clicnh for them. Is it extremely unlikely that they would have lost some of those non made up games? yes? But its not a certainty that theyd win either. With that logic we shouldve postponed the OSU/MD games LOL
I understand the rationale of "don't want to punish teams for taking a COVID pause.". But awarding a CO-CHAMPIONSHIP to a team that's a half a game up doesn't punish Michigan, it just rewards Illinois for having great protocols that enabled it to play all it's games.
 
#363      
Going through the lean years as a fan has made this so much more enjoyable.

Frazier is one of the most underrated players in college. He took over the game and nailed it shut in the second half. Defense was amazing as always.

Curbelo does what he does. I absolute love the dudes game and I’m ecstatic to see his growth. He’s like a jumper cable that comes in and makes things happen. He’s fearless (sometimes this hurts him), and creates opportunities no one else can/will.

Grandison is the perfect little complimentary pickup by the coaching staff. Hustles every play and makes the little plays. He will hit a 3 when you need it, and put back a rebound for 2 with grit.

Almost everyone contributed though it seemed.

I want to enjoy the ride, but this team has work to do. This team can win it all if they play with this intensity and togetherness every game. No doubt. What a far cry from where the program once was. Oh, and we also get the best player in college basketball back as well.
 
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#365      

texillwek

🔶🔹🔸🔷
First time I ever posted from my phone as I'm bedridden with intense back and leg pain but I had to join my fellow illini fanatics following the beatdown of scUM..
Great effort...I love this team with all my heart...
Time to take a pain pill and dream sweet O & B dreams..
Peace out brothers...
@pruman91 I could never do your message board artistry justice, but since you're having a rough go, figured I'd give it a shot:

Hate to hear you're down with pain. Just remember the best prescription:
christopher walken more cowbell GIF


Glad you got to see the beloved drop the hammer on #2 Michigan.....
giphy.webp


Wowwww.....
9608e75eb592f97443b4009554d2dfea-1-gif.7450


You're awake now? No, it wasn't a dream.....
2h7ga2v-gif.7449


It's real, I promise
illini-michiganfinal.png


illinifamily.png

Get well soon, we're all here for you, because..... WE ARE ILLINI FAMILY!!
 
#368      
Great win, but it was dampened by the fact that they still basically have no shot at winning the B10 title because Michigan was able to sit back and watch everybody beat on each other. Winner of the conference determined by winning percentage? Come on man!
 
#370      

altgeld88

Arlington, Virginia
Those eight mins of ESPN highlights this morning went well with my coffee and a sunny view out my office window, in more ways than one.

I-L-L baby. I-L-L.

(And get well soon Pruman. Sorry to hear of your pain. Have been there and it's awful. Your posts always make me smile. Take care, brother.)

:ah: :alma-mater::illinois::chief::hailtotheorange:
 
#371      
Can’t really decide if I want the championship enough to root for MSU. Izzo a dick and Howard seems to have some class. If only there was a way for both to lose. Maybe Sissoko wiping out Izzo on the sidelines celebrating.
 
#372      

texillwek

🔶🔹🔸🔷
Can’t really decide if I want the championship enough to root for MSU. Izzo a dick and Howard seems to have some class. If only there was a way for both to lose. Maybe Sissoko wiping out Izzo on the sidelines celebrating.
I want the championship. I won't say I'll root for MSU, but I want that championship.

The boys grown-!!! men just need to take care of business vs. OSU.
 
#373      
@pruman91 I could never do your message board artistry justice, but since you're having a rough go, figured I'd give it a shot:

Hate to hear you're down with pain. Just remember the best prescription:
christopher walken more cowbell GIF


Glad you got to see the beloved drop the hammer on #2 Michigan.....
giphy.webp


Wowwww.....
9608e75eb592f97443b4009554d2dfea-1-gif.7450


You're awake now? No, it wasn't a dream.....
2h7ga2v-gif.7449


It's real, I promise
illini-michiganfinal.png


illinifamily.png

Get well soon, we're all here for you, because..... WE ARE ILLINI FAMILY!!
Great post for our boy Pru.
Hang in there bud, we here for you, and need your positivity. Get well soon.
 
#374      

haasi

New York
@pruman91 I could never do your message board artistry justice, but since you're having a rough go, figured I'd give it a shot:

Hate to hear you're down with pain. Just remember the best prescription:
christopher walken more cowbell GIF


Glad you got to see the beloved drop the hammer on #2 Michigan.....
giphy.webp


Wowwww.....
9608e75eb592f97443b4009554d2dfea-1-gif.7450


You're awake now? No, it wasn't a dream.....
2h7ga2v-gif.7449


It's real, I promise
illini-michiganfinal.png


illinifamily.png

Get well soon, we're all here for you, because..... WE ARE ILLINI FAMILY!!
Amazing. 👏