I hope Brad finally sees what he has in Dain
Illinois 85, Morehead State 69 Postgame
- Status
AyoDos11
- Southern Illinois
If he can come in and hit a couple shots every game and play respectable defense like he did today, we could be playing in Phoenix later.
This game was won because TSJr. drug them to a first half where we were not down 10+. Without him, DD could have scored 40 and Illini could have lost. TSJr. expended more energy in the first half than the rest of the team's combined expended energy for the entire game and gets my game ball. (Well, maybe not, but you catch my drift). DD did have one of his best games ever. DGL had his best due to extreme focus and competent play on defense while hitting his only two shots...both three balls. Add in what MD did, and you have some pretty good highlights. Goode's 3 for 4 from the arc kept MSU from gaining traction and were huge. Not in any way am I downplaying the effort and success of DD, but his performance was a step behind TSJr., but that in itself is a great compliment.
Overall, a big team effort all the way. That is what it takes. These guys have had enough time and play together that they know the plays to make and when to do what.
Bring on the Mighty Dukes!!!
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
haven’t seen any comments yet about our coaching adjustments at halftime.
we made it a point to exploit the post early in the second half and it paid off big time.
the defense also locked in big time.
the ACs have been attacked for most of the year, just figured I would give them a shout out for excellent halftime adjustments.
we made it a point to exploit the post early in the second half and it paid off big time.
the defense also locked in big time.
the ACs have been attacked for most of the year, just figured I would give them a shout out for excellent halftime adjustments.
ginabackes00
CrazedUIFan
For Dain; it's all about matching up defensively
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
Honestly, having DD in reserve has been a godsend for us. Breaking 10 pt deficits and tit for tat games like balsa wood. They can plan for our starting lineup and even our 6th man, but whatchya gonna do when Dainja comes out to play!?!
Illinois really needs to lock up Fletch.
The Illini look really ripped compared to what I am seeing and good conditioning is a given with him as S & C.
The Illini look really ripped compared to what I am seeing and good conditioning is a given with him as S & C.
I do not believe there was ever a double digit deficit today. In the previous 2 games we were down by 15 and 10 I believe. After the initial push Illinois seemed to settle in pretty well. It looked to me like Illinois was pretty locked in defensaively in the second half. And they did a great job running the floor.
We did what we do. I don't know what they put in the Gatorade during the 1st TV timeout of the second half, but it's worked most of the season.
Chad Fleck
- Eureka, IL
Getting 5 3's off the bench is huge. Kudos to Goode and DGL. Big time shots and they were stout on defense, which is why they can be out there in the first place.
I like to think this game got some jitters out. Let's go on a run.
I like to think this game got some jitters out. Let's go on a run.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
CG <3 DD
IlliniMike_Aurora
Straight outta Champaign
Great team effort and bench today.
Glad to see Luke and DGL hit some threes as Harmon has continue to struggle last few games.
Q was absent, but Dainja again huge off bench - he and Hawkins looked pretty good together.
Can't say enough about Domask, facilitated really well, triple double,
Shannon - yep just another great game,
fun to watch and hope they keep the 'next man up mentality' when someone is off.
Bring on Duquesne, their small quick guards could cause some problems, but I like our chances over 40 minutes.
Go Illini
Glad to see Luke and DGL hit some threes as Harmon has continue to struggle last few games.
Q was absent, but Dainja again huge off bench - he and Hawkins looked pretty good together.
Can't say enough about Domask, facilitated really well, triple double,
Shannon - yep just another great game,
fun to watch and hope they keep the 'next man up mentality' when someone is off.
Bring on Duquesne, their small quick guards could cause some problems, but I like our chances over 40 minutes.
Go Illini
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
BU has always known. He has proved that with his recruits. Dain has finally figured it out on the defensive end and that is why we are seeing more of him. It also has to do with matchups.
My BIL and SIL are both Duquesne alums.
We talk a lot about in-game or half-time adjustments by coaches but make no mistake. Dain’s coming out is directly the result of an “in-season” adjustment by Brad who could have easily stuck with a formula that he knew was successful. Brad is a master of exploiting favorable matchups. Give him and Dain co-mvp for this one and Wisconsin
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
The first day in about a week that I have NOT had any vertigo problems so far.............I'm glad we won or an ER visit might have been in my future........
What a great way to spend a sunny and pleasant Saturday afternoon with me , NL # 3 and Brian B. & Deon enjoying an Illini win the NCAA tourney...........No need to traverse the Game Thread or listen to numb network announcers comment on teams they probably have limited exposure to..........NL # 3 and I just enjoying the homerism from the radio crew and letting them describe the action before us in a well balanced and heartfelt way..........Now onto Saturday and the du-chain pukes.......Better get ready pukes for the runaway locomotive colored Orange & Blue with many Illini engineers of doom & gloom heaped on your arse ...
Doc Domask with a triple double ....first Illini to gain that honor in the NCAA's................
TSJ with 19 points in the 1st half and great defense .......showed grit on the loose ball on the court finally throwing ball off of Minix for Illini possession..........
Dain Dainja.....what a beast today......seemed like he was in a zone today with everything he touched turned to gold......
Cohawk with a great floor game today with a lot of blocks and steals.........
DGL with 2 much needed 3's in the first half.....showed very much improved defense and maturity.....kid's legit........
Goode with a couple of great 3's and was warrior on the boards......
QG was steady.....not much else.......
Harmon still lost in space on offense and played ok D today......
pru , that was such a great performance by the Illini today.....I feel this season could be a special one.......call you later babe....
ok babe......I'm as happy as a bug in a rug........
pru , the fun has just begun......it really really has..................GO ILLINI !!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya babe !!.......................can't wait babe !!!.....................I just love that woman................................I really really really do.........
Cheers Illini Nation ......................................
Life is good...............It really really is.........................
Sometimes plus minus lies. Today it didn't. Goode was fantastic on both ends of the court. Big time game for him today
Agree. I think he is becoming the player BU expected when he recruited him. Too bad last season was basically a wash out due to the foot injury.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
My BIL and SIL are both Duquesne alums.
Ball movement and defense in the second half was amazing.
On to round 2.
On to round 2.
Yea, neither Q nor Ty seemed to be involved at all today. Bout the only negative to speak of. Thankfully we have a deep bench.
Dain completely broke Morehead st. Minnix was yelling at teammates after one of the times he got fouled. They simply had no ability to defend him.
Great game from Goode and his ability to knock down shots really opens up the offense. DGL Gabe some very good minutes with defensive intensity and hit two big shots.
Sidenote: Ty didn't have a great game but they're going to need him and hopefully Brad understands that because there have been games where Ty has been on the bench during crucial moments.
Harmon still looked a bit lost but his first shot looked good just missed. Will need him and Guerrier to contribute at some point.
Great game from Goode and his ability to knock down shots really opens up the offense. DGL Gabe some very good minutes with defensive intensity and hit two big shots.
Sidenote: Ty didn't have a great game but they're going to need him and hopefully Brad understands that because there have been games where Ty has been on the bench during crucial moments.
Harmon still looked a bit lost but his first shot looked good just missed. Will need him and Guerrier to contribute at some point.
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
100%. I believe it was a season high in assists.
Are we also accepting "Dainjamite!"? No, okay, I will see myself out.
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