Pregame: Illinois vs Loyola Chicago, Sunday, March 21st, 11:10am CT, CBS
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AirNeezy
Orange Krush '13 -'14
Yeah, I literally said in my post it's March so anything can happen. They didn't really look massively underseeded from the game I saw.
Hoping we see a game similiar to Minnesota. But likely going to be a grind. Key is for Illinois not to fall behind, that will allow Loyola more oppurtunity to slow the tempo.
We need to play with purpose and ball contol/low turnovers. Need to make the bunnies and open 3's and not force drives that are not there. They can't match the team speed, oppurtunities will present themselves. See Trent and Curbs getting to the lane similiar to Michigan game.
We need to play with purpose and ball contol/low turnovers. Need to make the bunnies and open 3's and not force drives that are not there. They can't match the team speed, oppurtunities will present themselves. See Trent and Curbs getting to the lane similiar to Michigan game.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
if kofi gets two early fouls all bets are off
That to me is key. I'm expecting Loyola to give Krutwig the ball on the perimeter and see if they can get Kofi to foul while he drives. Or if Kofi sags, have him take perimeter jumpers.
To me you take that and clamp down on everyone else and see what happens. Conversely, if Kofi can get Krutwig in foul trouble, they've got problems too.
I have been telling telling people Illinois struggled some against Ohio St because Kofi couldn't make Lidell on the perimeter. He matched Garza on the perimeter and there is no way in hell you are going to tell me Krutwig is better at being Garza than Garza is. He looks like a slow, over used, smart, never quit basketball player. Kofi kills those players. Krutwig is most dangerous, IMHO, when teams double him and he can make them pay. We don't have to double him.
I think we try to get Krutwig in foul trouble. Getting out in transition and "speed them up". Surprised if it stays within 10.
Great video and makes me rethink my original thoughts on Loyola. Curbelo is going to murder them if he finishes at the rack and if they go under the ball screens all day our guards have to make them pay. Also if they help against Kofi in the post our guards have to roll to the corner for the pocket 3. At first I simply thought, run them out of the gym. Thanks for the video.
Right I'd tell Kofi make him earn it, but don't foul. 2 points is not a big deal, 2 fouls on you is.
Only problem with that is that Krutwig knows much more about how to play the game, looking for open cutters and getting the ball to them, and various fakes to get movement he can exploit. He also can score efficiently more than 4 ft. from the basket and seldom gets in foul trouble. Kofi is quicker and stronger, but does not possess these nuances. But he can outrun Krutwig and get some easy buckets on breaks. He must stay out of foul trouble. If he has to sit after 5 minutes with two fouls, the likelihood of a Loyola win may move quickly to near 50%. Pretty sure Loyola will try to get him in foul trouble early. He has done a pretty good job of avoiding fouls for much of the season, but without him on the floor or available whenever needed, a huge advantage is lost.
Again, good, smart, 40 minutes of defense for the Illini will win for many reasons.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I disagree. I believe Giorgi can match up well. Toss in our other bigs, Krutwig is only 6'9". I know he is skilled, but not overly athletic (not like Larry Bird anyway). I feel, even without Kofi (who I expect to do well), we still win the other 4 positionless positions on the floor. Big sip of orange kool-aid. If we focus on playing GREAT defense, limit 3's and second chance points, I like our chances... A LOT!
Attendance was only 968 at the Drexel game.
Alarmist? Just incase there is some crazy covid thing from ga-tech/Loyola, we should leave 5 players and a coach at the hotel, just to make sure we dont forfeit our next game.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I could be absolutely wrong, but I don't think the likelihood (50%) of Loyola winning happens, without 3 Illini starters out with foul trouble. They absolutely can win, but to be more likely than not, doesn't register with me.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
VCU just forfeited.....
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Bring 8? A car ready (assuming that it is close), in case we need to pick up 2 more due to foul trouble? What is the protocol, for exposure but no signs? Play again by Saturday? Can we zoom practice all week (unlikely)?
Yeah I saw that. It just seems odd 1 player only from Ga-Tech was the only positive. So who knows what could have been passed to Loyola. The thought seems crazy to leave like Underwood, Hamlin, Bossman, Lieb, and Severn behind, but.. if someone else pops with the rona, we'd still be in.
illini80
- Forgottonia
Exactly!
Scouting Loyola, they absolutely use Krutwig on the perimeter to initiate the offense. However, Krutwig doesn't drive, but instead he tries to back down post defenders, methodically. He's never faced anyone that has 40 pounds on him. And I watched 3 full Loyola games, and Krutwig took 0 outside shots. Kofi is going to be camped out in the lane, waiting for Krutwig to try to back him down.
Do you think he is better at doing those things than Garza?
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Really good interview. Really good coach.
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