Just got back from the game. Spent 39 minutes wondering why in the world I would drive 8 hours to put myself through absolute misery. (made worse because got stuck with seats by the three most obnoxious Ohio State fans you could imagine cheering like crazy for Chattanooga.)
Then the final minute happened and it made all that worth it and then some.
Just a few observations -
1) The pregame sendoff for the team at the hotel was really cool. Band, cheerleaders, lots of Illini fans high-fiving and fist-bumping the players and coaches as they walked through the crowd to the bus. Not sure if that's something they always do but loved it.
2) Not sure how it sounded on TV but definitely felt like a road game especially later in the second half when the casual fans started getting into the game and pulling for the Mocs.
3) It was interesting watching Underwood and Hawkins interact during some of the late second half and timeouts. Got to go back and read to what all happened there.
4) Nice arena, great atmosphere, even with a game both teams struggled a lot. I like Pittsburgh, fun city to walk around. Illinois really plays hard on defense, for the most part didn't let the offensive problems carry over. Kofi was gassed in second half which is understandable when you see the beating he takes.
5) Survive and advance! We get at least one more chance to watch the Illini this year, which I'm very thankful for.