Virginia 70, Illinois 61 Postgame

#104      

JSpence

Evansville, IN
Really liked the effort today and terrific experience. VA limits possessions and so you have to value each one, which we didn’t do late. Not surprising, as I imagine most of our freshmen have never played in a game like that. Think our immaturity showed and I don’t mean that in a bad way.

But the film should be solid gold. Our possessions from about 8 minutes to 4 minutes where we came back and took the lead. Working the ball in and out, hockey assists for open 3’s. The last 3 minutes, too much hero ball and low percentage shots.

Never satisfied with a loss but this loss might actually not be the worst thing long term. Had we won today, probably get a top 10 ranking and not sure we are ready or mature of for that either. This loss should get everybody’s attention and let Brad really “grind” them, as Brad likes to say. Looking forward to watching this team grow. Go Illini!
I'm about to make some sock accounts to like this post more. If there was a "Love" button, I'd hit that, too.
 
#105      
As the freshman get more experience we will be fine. Up two with three minutes left and got the board but Skyy made a critical freshman mistake giving them three free throws. It was questionable whether it was a foul or a flop from my seat but that really seemed to change or mojo after fights Ng back to take the lead.
 
#107      

JSpence

Evansville, IN
I think sometimes we lose sight of the randomness of one game. I feel like I saw a team that beats UCLA 6 or 7 out of 10 games, and beats UVA three or four out of ten. And we will improve more than most teams based on experience together, and Brad’s track record.
We got to see the games, and the guys got to PLAY them.

Meanwhile, Indiana is on pace to score 40 points against Miami OH after squeaking past Xavier. Miami is 1-3, and... it's not for excusable reasons.
 
#109      

JSpence

Evansville, IN
Those bitchin about the refs today will be missing them once league play starts and we get BIG refs
I threw some money against the ticket booth window and have jumped aboard the pre-bitching bus for B1G officiating!! Toot toot!
 
#110      
After watching these two games this weekend, I think I’d like to see sky look for his offense more. I know he’s needed to run a lot of point, but he has the handles and strong body to get to the rim. He also has a smooth looking jumper. I know he’s young and learning a lot right now, but I’d just like to see a little more offensive assertiveness. I really like these freshman. They all have something to bring to the floor in big time games and will hopefully all get more relaxed and confident with each game.
 
#111      
Got away from playing Harris. Our coach played their game Instead of playing ours. Hawkins and RJ need to grow up fast. Also on Meyers I’m embarrassed by that hook Meyers was trying to get. :(
Interesting take. IMHO, CoHawk and RJ are our two most complete players, neither of whom force offense but can be deadly. They do all the little things....all the time. But both are involved in a ton of plays and are highly visible. Their blunders are magnified because they are there and involved. Lucky to have them both.
 
#113      
Couldn’t watch the game today. Surely that’s a typo on the free throw difference. 32-9?

Season 4 Andy GIF by The Office


That stat alone without watching the game makes it seem like there was a predestined winner, however I did see we had many chances to close.

Great trip! Hopefully this adds fuel to the fire for this team. Nobody likes to lose, but honestly I bet a loss is more beneficial for this young team today than a win is at this point. We have to get out there and earn it, and we will!

Proud of this team, and it is going to be fun to watch them evolve as the season goes on!
 
#115      

the national

the Front Range
Got away from playing Harris. Our coach played their game Instead of playing ours. Hawkins and RJ need to grow up fast. Also on Meyers I’m embarrassed by that hook Meyers was trying to get. :(
Honestly curious why you don’t think it’s a hook n hold. Looked textbook to me? The fall by Mayer might had distracted the refs from the real foul but I thought it was a legit HnH.
 
#116      
We played a great game for 36 minutes
our defense wore down at the end
officiating changed somewhat in the second half but wasn't the reason we lost
why no Sincere in the second half
why no full court press at all really for the whole game
Epps is a bucket maker but also a freshman
cavs got 10 more points than us in turnover transition plays
cavs shot 25-32 FT's
Illini shot 4-9 FT's
Illini had more O rebs and 3 less rebs total
we cleaned up our turnovers from previous game


BU , on the radio interview said....................

high level BB for November
we stopped executing up 2 with 3:20 to go
cavs are a good team
cavs PG won a natty in the past
gonna be a process and experience won out today
we are counting on 3-4 frosh
today was a speed bump
all Bennett talked to BU about before the game was how many Illini fans at the games
we have very very intelligent fans

and that's a wrap

GO ILLINI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to admit…this puzzles me.
I would think if UCLA’s guards are press-able than Virginia’s guards would be too.

I’m sure there’s a reason for it…maybe he feels like Virginia handles the ball better 1-5? Whereas, UCLA is more of a 1-2 primary
ball-handler(s) oriented team?
And thus, easier to exploit.

I would’ve liked to have seen what would have happened for about 3-4 possessions.
Seems like it might of gone a long way toward helping to change the tempo…but of course, he’s Daddy Brad and I’m just some dude in a chatroom.

Overall, I feel like we definitely got a lot out of Vegas. The buzz around the program is palpable.
 
#119      
UVA fan here just popping in to say gg. It was a hard fought game that could've gone either way. The difference was our experience and maturity prevailed at the end. That definitely felt like an away game for us. The ILL crowd defining showed up and showed out. You guys have some talented Freshman and I'd hate to be facing this team once they gain some more experience as the season progresses. Highly doubt there are 18 teams that are better than you guys right now. Wishing you all many wins and good health the rest of the way!
 
#121      

altgeld88

Arlington, Virginia
Just as we thought, we need to learn to trust each other, play seamlessly together, and not fall to pieces and turn on each other when adversity arises. That probably won't all come together at a high level until January, as is usually the case, though I think we're way ahead of where we were a year ago at this time.

I was talking about the Loyalty board there. ;)

As for the team, my general feeling about Illini hoops after this weekend: "Yeah, baby!" We gonna be just fine.

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#122      

foby

Bonnaroo Land
UVA fan here just popping in to say gg. It was a hard fought game that could've gone either way. The difference was our experience and maturity prevailed at the end. That definitely felt like an away game for us. The ILL crowd defining showed up and showed out. You guys have some talented Freshman and I'd hate to be facing this team once they gain some more experience as the season progresses. Highly doubt there are 18 teams that are better than you guys right now. Wishing you all many wins and good health the rest of the way!
Always enjoy when a high class fan pops in. Maybe we meet again late in March.
 
#123      
Interesting take. IMHO, CoHawk and RJ are our two most complete players, neither of whom force offense but can be deadly. They do all the little things....all the time. But both are involved in a ton of plays and are highly visible. Their blunders are magnified because they are there and involved. Lucky to have them both.
I really like this take. Changes my perspective on cohawk somewhat. I need to remember this when I’m upset with him alot of the times. He is involved in every play at both ends of the floor and probably has the ball in his hands more than anyone else during a game.
 
#124      
Y’all are acting like it’s just easy to make Virginia not play their game when they’ve been playing that game for a decade+.
Exactly right.....deliberate play always dictates to the run and gun teams. It is why Wisky rarely gets blown out. So many FF games start out helter-skelter and end up as possession games where every little thing matters. It gives a team with high hoops IQ and advantage as opposed to elite athleticism. The Illini have elite athleticism, but have to work on learning what to do and when.