Illinois 65, Houston 55 Postgame

[PepeSilvia]

I was extremely wrong about Davis pre game. He had some big baskets and mostly held his own.

Man, I expected a lot more from Sampson's coaching. Constantly trying to trap out to half court and extending their defense was an atrocious game plan. Illinois has too much size to be constantly sending double teams and Houston basically created a ton of space for them and were constantly putting themselves at a disadvantage where they were scrambling to closeout.

I thought the game was reffed in a way that would have been a huge advantage to Houston(very physical and Tugler probably had 10 fouls) but their insistence on trapping just got them shredded when Illinois got used to it.

 

[fuggles]

I want to see all those pregame naysayers to post their eat crow. So many bad takes.
Houston is going to score 80 on us
If the game is in the 60s we can't win
too many to remember.

feel free

 

[Se Il Illini]

I said it earlier today that at this level that it is all about the defense. Great job Illinois.

 

[RabidDawgClassic]

I was lead to believe we had “zero chance.”

 

[Username]

ELITE

 

[Dan]

 

[Heisenbobble]

We're NOT F*CKING losing to Iowa

I really effing hope not!!

 

[IlliniCaboose]

 

[SummerofGeorge]

You want to play physical? We will punch you in the mouth. You want to slow down? We will D you up. You want to run and gun? We will drop 100 on you. The versatility is outstanding!

 

[Deep]

 

[illinidday89]

Biggest win for Brad at Illinois by a country mile! So happy for him and the program and so glad to be wrong.

I was expecting the Houston of the last 5 minutes the entire game, but our defense was unbelievably good tonight and it definitely affected their gameplan. Best it's been all season.
That was one of the most fun times I've had watching the Illini in quite awhile!

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

Will be rooting hard for St John’s against Duke.

 

[Bleedorangeandblue44]

It’s just surreal there’s an Illinois/Iowa Elite Eight game coming up

 

[OrangeBlue98]

Well, the Loyalty hamster is working overtime tonight!!

Got invited to a rock fight in their backyard, and we came out on the good end. Wasn't pretty. Wasn't calm. Doesn't matter. Now onto a team that's a MUCH better matchup for us on Saturday.

 

[Lysol623]

I was very disappointed with how we ended the season and was certain that play would carry.over if we didn't lock in. Glad the guys proved me wrong and made a deep run! Let's steal a F4 trip now!

 

[TheodoreRex]

Brad Underwood- I'm sorry for every bad word I've said about you- 2 elite 8's in 3 years.. On the verge of a final four. I'd kiss him on the lips right now if he were in front of me right now.

ILL!!!!!!!!!!

 

[whatahack]

 

[sacraig]

An ugly win is still a win.

 

[champaignpak]

as someone who has called out brad at times i will happily eat crow now. I hope the people here who have consistently badmouthed him will also be willing to do so.

 

[jmwillini]

Tight first 20 minutes. Stomped them for 15 and then had to play woth our food the last 5. Phew....

 

[POWURR]

 

[ejam21]

BU 2-0 in S16 as underdog at illinois

 

[logjam]

View attachment 48708

GIMME DAT Elite 8 appearance, Kelvin Sampson.

Special shout out to those of us who never lost faith in this team/season being special.

Special shout out to those of us who never lost faith in Andrej Stojakovic.

Looks like we saved the best defense for last. Looks like this team has learned to have answers for lots of critical moments. Looks like, after two decades, Illini Nation can dream fearlessly, once again.

LONG LIVE THE ILLINI!

This glory. Is where we belong.

Great as always...

 

[xcatcher]

 

[fuggles]

#4 on kenpom