Pregame: Illinois at Purdue, Sunday, March 5th, 11:30am CT, FOX
- Status
Anyone else hoping we stick with tonight’s starting five for the Purdue game and into March even if Epps comes back and is healthy?
In my opinion..
* RJ is finally playing well enough to start
* the length of the lineup with RJ over Epps is so good, and it’s a much more defensively sound lineup.
* We have enough ball handling between Shannon, Mayer and a little CoHawk that we don’t really need a traditional PG, and in fact a wing shooter is a better natural fit and helps us have clearly defined roles
In my opinion..
* RJ is finally playing well enough to start
* the length of the lineup with RJ over Epps is so good, and it’s a much more defensively sound lineup.
* We have enough ball handling between Shannon, Mayer and a little CoHawk that we don’t really need a traditional PG, and in fact a wing shooter is a better natural fit and helps us have clearly defined roles
House money game. Let’s steal one
Nah, but I'm hoping for at least a mild letdown since they don't have a ton to play for.
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
And Ty handling the ball. He is the guy that is blowing up in terms of growth.
Gotta keep driving the ball even with Edey down there. Driving will get us to the line more, increase the chances of Edey getting in foul trouble, and lead to better quality outside shots. Drive!
Edey is terrible on D - he is immobile. Huge reach, though.
Winners against Purdue are hitting 10 ft in-paint shots at high rate and keeping Boiler's 3p % down.
This. Edey is unable to move out on the 10 footer without fouling, so he has been coached not to move. On the other end, let Edey have his 25 pts, but guard the arc. And pressure the freshmen guards.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
And work the refs hard on Edey's hook and hold and aggressive bodying in the post. He's one of the roughest players I've ever seen, yet seems to get the refs on his side way more than Kofi did.
blackdog
- Champaign
Unfortunately not a lot of players have that as part of their game and our guys haven't shown that much besides maybe Ty sometimes. Consistently the narrative is that Edey is slow and bad defensively but he know how's to be in the right position most of the time and alters a TON of shots without fouling.
I don't think Purdue will be "resting" their players, but not having Epps (I assuming) and with these tired legs, I expect Purdue to win this game.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
If we drive the lane and don't settle for questionable jumpers, anything can happen
Senior night in West Lafayette. They will be playing 100%
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
It will take a great effort and maybe even a bit of luck, but we CAN win. All you can ask for is a realistic shot, and we’re good enough to get the W!
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
If we get the effort from them we got last night, I'll be very happy
Bigtex
- DFW
Number 1 seed in ncaa tourney is plenty of motivation.
Goillinikobd
- Southeastern US
I have no problem with this line up IF there is more driving and dishing and not so much hero ball.
I’ve said it before but outside of Edey (who is a matchup problem for anyone) I think we match up well with Purdue.
Even assuming Morton has the size and athleticism (big assumption) to lock up one of TJ/Mayer, they don’t have anyone to slow down the other. I don’t know who they have who can match up with Ty physically, and Coleman is a matchup problem for them too. And now all of a sudden RJ has his mojo back, I don’t think they have anyone who can stay in front of him either.
Biggest key on defense will be to pressure their guards with Ty/Sencire. Try to speed them up and make it hard for them to enter it into the post. After that strategically trap Edey but the point of emphasis should be not giving them open 3’s.
If we play like we did last night I think we have a great chance at winning. Give the big his 30 but Purdue doesn’t have a Bufkin or Howard to go get 20+.
I also think we can play a lot better than we did last night.
Even assuming Morton has the size and athleticism (big assumption) to lock up one of TJ/Mayer, they don’t have anyone to slow down the other. I don’t know who they have who can match up with Ty physically, and Coleman is a matchup problem for them too. And now all of a sudden RJ has his mojo back, I don’t think they have anyone who can stay in front of him either.
Biggest key on defense will be to pressure their guards with Ty/Sencire. Try to speed them up and make it hard for them to enter it into the post. After that strategically trap Edey but the point of emphasis should be not giving them open 3’s.
If we play like we did last night I think we have a great chance at winning. Give the big his 30 but Purdue doesn’t have a Bufkin or Howard to go get 20+.
I also think we can play a lot better than we did last night.
I've been thinking to myself that Purdue doesn't really look all that intimidating, especially of late. They haven't really passed the eye test of an elite team, in most of their recent games, with last night at Wisconsin certainly being no exception.
Stating the obvious, it will really come down to which teams show up - for both PU and for us. My point is we can win this game, and I don't think it's as unlikely as some seem to.
Plenty for our guys to play for. It could mean an extra day of rest and preparation for the BTT. Let's go get it! I-L-L!
Stating the obvious, it will really come down to which teams show up - for both PU and for us. My point is we can win this game, and I don't think it's as unlikely as some seem to.
Plenty for our guys to play for. It could mean an extra day of rest and preparation for the BTT. Let's go get it! I-L-L!
Illinivek23
- Gurnee
Oh, to be young again and pound caffeine BEFORE getting a good night's rest
- Status