Good win. So excited for RJ. How many wins has our opponent hit a meaningless 3 at the end of the game? I know it doesn't matter, but really? Get your 30 and get the game down to single digits that wasn't a single digit game. Either way, got the win, that's what matters.
Illinois 78, Minnesota 69 Postgame
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Chilliniwek
- Chicagoland
Good!
Not much inteensity in the first half. seemed to have the attitude "we can win without playing hard.'
Much better inteensity in thee second half better passing, better reebounding, betteer shooting.
Five starters each in double figurees
3 point percentage was 38.5 %, best in several games
RJ snags 11 rebounds
So happy for RJ to finally hit a 3. He played with great enthusiasm, defense was there a hit the boards. Great game for him and hope this turns things for him. Good balanced scoring from starters, a little lapse at times when Illini would go up by 15-16 and allowed Minny to get back in game. Another player goes off on us [Battle 31] Need to hit free throws [14-26.
Chad Fleck
- Eureka, IL
What is not to love about the nugget program?
It is a great idea, but it might time to kick it up a notch to McBudweiser program.
That's a concern that's been there for months. Whether that be Picket(twice), Perkins, Battle, TJD(expected), etc. the opponents ability to get in the paint and get a good look is worrisome. Many times it's the guards having the issues.
That's been exposed, as has our trouble handling the press, as well as ball pressure. With only a handful of games left, we are who we are at this point. Guards just have to be more active and more physical (without fouling).
Your concern is valid however.
Big Jack
- Decatur
uh the nuggets..... they are nasty...
Why does Northwestern fans get chicken sandwiches
drsmitty74
- Rochester
I wouldn't call Battle a random.
drsmitty74
- Rochester
Cuz there is less than half the crowd of SFC.
Yeah, I think he averaged about 17 ppg last year and that wasn’t even his career high. Has dealt with injury issues early this year.
When I was a student, Garcia's gave away pizza slices when the Illini won. They messed up when they launched it my freshman year - if your row number matched the margin, you got a free slice. So when you won, likely your whole group won, and you all went to Garcia's together and no one bought pizza. They changed it sophomore year to seat number, so for any given group, one would be free and the rest would have to pay. Lots of cheering for random late game free throws.
Love RJ getting the double double. Would REALLY love for everybody on the team to have gotten one by the end of the year. And, while we're talking, for all the older guys to have gotten a triple double by the end of the year.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
RJ chased Battle for 30 minutes and still had energy to get 10 rebounds and a couple dunks.
Good to see he is more than a one dimensional 3 point shooter.
Wonder what he would have done past 2 years if DaMonte Trent and Alfonso had not come back for Covid year and if TSJ and MM had not transferred in.
I really don't want to see any of our current players transfer out. Brad did a great job identifying RJ's potential.
Good to see he is more than a one dimensional 3 point shooter.
Wonder what he would have done past 2 years if DaMonte Trent and Alfonso had not come back for Covid year and if TSJ and MM had not transferred in.
I really don't want to see any of our current players transfer out. Brad did a great job identifying RJ's potential.
With no disrespect intended to anyone else on the Illini... Epps is the top talented player on this team. He can do more all-around things than anyone else. And he has a swagger that any top player has to have. And he also still has the most upside of anyone on the Illini right now.
When counting our blessings of this Season, Epps has to be at the top of the list. All the other guys are contributing what they have. But Epps has been the break-out player of the year.
RoundBalconies
- Chicago
I went to a UVA game last month and they get FREE BACON.
Btw, the Krush has been pretty luke warm this year. I feel like it's not providing the same home court advantage we're used to. After some of the shot selections , I think that should be improved of as well.
Hope the faith is rewarded with RJ staying. He has tons of potential and has flashed it in both seasons he's been here. Seems like Brad sees that potential and really wants him to stick around given that he keeps giving RJ chances.
This is a great point!
Having Rodgers, Harris and Ramses with this attitude and skill is very important. Don't put those three in the same time, unless you have a double-digit lead and wish to hold onto that lead or a final possession thing in which BU wants his best defenders out there.
Any offense from any of those three players at this point is definitely "gravy." Hopefully, the staff sees this and adjusts or are in the process of.
I commented to my wife several times during the game that Krush was so quiet and almost disinterested. even at the beginning of both halves, a number of the students were barely moving. btw, when RJ got his 5th rebound she said he's gonna double-double
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
I'll stop short of predicting he will be a March difference maker, but if he can come off the bench (after TSJ returns) and give us that kind of effort on the boards and defense......he will be a March difference maker.
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