Illinois 65, Houston 55 Postgame

[frozenrope9190]

Our 2nd halfs in this tournament have been nothing short of outstanding. We've obliterated these teams in the 2nd half. I'm in awe.

 

[stlrunner]

If we shoot reasonably from the FT line, this is kind of a blowout. Which is…wild.

 

[Rebounding Dog]

Our defense was the underrated factor!
We found a great balance and kept turners under 10. Slight edge in the glass! we move the fu$k on!

 

[FloridaMan]

I was frustrated with KW at times, but he drilled some absolutely huge shots and took care of the ball. Big, big shots by Jake and Ben. We struggled from the line but I really like the fact our body language remained solid and screamed "we are not losing this game!"

We are on the doorstep. We have to continue to give the defensive effort we have seen the last week. We match up so great with Iowa, but they are rolling. Let's slow that roll and put ourselves in the Indy with a chance at the ultimate prize!!!! We have the ability!

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

The guy sitting next to Pearl in the studio was so confident UH was gonna win. Felt kind of weird.

 

[steveinspringfield]

Great win that I really didn't see coming. But the Illini have to do better than 12 for 21 (57%) at the FT line.

 

[Jack's Raging Bile Duct]

These boys belong. Now let’s keep the chip firmly placed on the shoulder and get it done Saturday night!

Not gonna be able to sleep for at least a few hours, but I ain’t gonna feel tired at work in the morning

 

[CentralILLini]

Salacious

 

[MULEDOG35]

ILL!

INI !!!

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

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!

Sorry, but this was, BY FAR, the best defensive effort all year. That was an absolutely outstanding team we just beat.

Playing physical has not treated us well this year.

 

[logjam]

Houston struggled all year against the top teams and Illinois absolutely played like a top team. Everyone played with so much poise and it looked like Houston's pressure barely even phased them.

We had our BIGBOY PANTS on tonight...! Also the players only meeting must've worked...

 

[CrazedUIFan]

Kudos to the coaching staff for a great game plan and to the players for carrying it out

 

[Illini in Italy]

Here’s to all the pundits who overwhelmingly picked Houston to win

 

[IlliniFaninHoosierLand]

So...we still concerned about playing a "road" game in Houston? Asking for a friend.

 

[IllGuardU]

Incredible defense. Insane free-throw shooting. 3 more games to go.

I think that’s the best D we’ve played this year. AS was really good.

 

[TonyClifton]

Elite effort on defense. Elite rebounding effort (+12). Won this game with toughness.

 

[alaskaillini]

That game was won by our defense. We looked locked in the whole game. Did a lot of trapping - it looked almost like we stole Houston's defensive gameplan. We are going to need that against Iowa if they are going to shoot like they did today.

 

[blife]

27 points and 22 boards for our 2 freshmen. Elite

 

[RimPressure]

Wow what great win!!

 

[NarrowJ]

All I know is CBS’s Chris Walker has to be hurting right now, that guy literally was so insufferable

 

[Juju]

You know it's a big win when the site is crashing from so much traffic.

 

[chiefini]

Victory is sweet!

 

[Weatherspoon1]

I can't believe it, man. This might be the best team we've had since the last title appearance.

ILLINOIIS TO THE CHIP.

It is

 

[IllinoisGrad0609]

I think that’s the best D we’ve played this year. AS was really good.

There is no THINK about it. Hands-down the best defensive performance of the year, and it's not even close.

 

[Rainier Wolfcastle]

HOLY !!!! GUYS WE DID IT!!!

my streak is going strong. 5/5!!! Just got my ticket for Saturday. They ain’t stoppin, i ain’t stoppin