Pregame: Illinois vs Penn, Thursday, March 19th, 8:25pm CT, TNT

[Epsilon]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2033316047332253960

I thought he was going more for the Freddie Mercury look….

 

[gary?]

how did dan get the game time? i dont see tip off times anywhere.

 

[Epsilon]

Illinois struggles with athletic teams that are physical. Not sure what Penn and/or NC bring to the court, but if either, or both are physical teams they will have to shoot lights out and keep turnovers waaaaay down, IMO.

This is why Houston is a tough draw for us, but it’s not like we’ve earned the right to look too far ahead. At least we’re pretty good at beating up teams we should beat (not named Maryland).

 

[ChiIllini75]

I also think Illinois should completely change their offense after a season where they had the most efficient offense in history.

Agree changing the offense is silly, but we actually ended the season #2 behind Purdue after today.

 

[Illwinsagain]

They cannot Austin Peay in the bed this first game.

Too soon!

 

[illiniguy24]

22.5 points seems like a lot.

I immediately took Penn points. Looking at all the other spreads, our is bigger than most of the 2-15 matchups

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Couldn’t have asked for an easier path … Your move Brad …

Second weekend …

 

[Epsilon]

View attachment 48325

Interesting. Gives us the highest percentage to get to elite 8 as a 3 seed.

 

[PleaseMakeABowlGame]

If we did get STL, could we have still gotten Carolina or no? Because I do think they’re a weak 6 seed.

 

[Mr. Roberts]

When I hear UPenn basketball, I think 1979 Final Four. Times have changed.

 

[illiniguy24]

Their lack of athleticism and explosiveness provides the best opponent we could have asked for. If Power wants to throw shots up, cool. I just don't want to see a 6'2", ultra quick guard dice us up.

I’m with ya. I’m just saying he was very very impressive today when I watched him

 

[RabidDawgClassic]

 

[illiram]

If we lose to either Houston or Florida in OT..........well, it will be a very long off-season.

 

[IlliniCub 16]

The Power kid looks solid. Was top 40 HS recruit

I understand why he wouldn't play much at Duke as a freshman, but I'm surprised he was such an afterthought on a bad Virginia team last year too.

 

[Chase321]

The Illini should beat the hell out of Penn.

Scenario: If they play the Tarheels, have BW give a speech, and then exact revenge with a double-digit victory. If this happens, the game vs. Houston could be a pick'em.

Scenario: VCU beats Carolina, and favored Illinois wins in R2, but it's a very close game. If this happens, expect a 7 - 12 point Houston victory.

He can tell them that five digits on their own are nothing but together formed into a fist….

 

[kyleb1117]

is that tip time confirmed or is it from the tweet posted on the board that is of a fake account?

 

[Tacomallini]

Personally. I’m glad our guys aren’t as up tight as lots of fans on the board.

Yesterday, that same group of fans were calling this team “ChatGPT” with no personality. Now they’re mad at a mustache.

Time to get a grip.

A handlebar grip…I’ll see myself out

 

[BoiseBaller]

We could not have asked for a better draw for the opening weekend. If we are not playing next week people should be pissed.

Oh, we will be. No Effin excuses. Get it done Brad.

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

Is that time confirmed? Are we the first game to tip off the proceedings?

 

[thehass]

Fran exacts his revenge? I kid. Sort of.

Second round won't be easy with our recent dip.

I doubt any game will be a cakewalk

 

[IlliniCub 16]

In late December, Rutgers shot 3-21 from three against Penn and got outrebounded 42-29...and still won 80-79.

 

[Epsilon]

As far as refs go Kelly is alright.

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

is that tip time confirmed or is it from the tweet posted on the board that is of a fake account?

Beat me to it.

 

[IlliniFaninHoosierLand]

is that tip time confirmed or is it from the tweet posted on the board that is of a fake account?

I had the same question as well as Dan usually posts Norlander's tweet with the tip times.

 

[Chase321]

Beat me to it.

I’ve seen it multiple places.