Illinois 65, Houston 55 Postgame

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#326      
Johnny Lawrence
BackThatPassUp said:
They hadn't seen a team of our size all season. I think that's been a problem for a lot of teams facing B1G teams. We just gotta control the boards and run iowa off the three point line and we will be in Indy!
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Arizona is pretty big and they played them twice. Of course they lost to them twice. And it much closer games then tonight.
 
#330      
abchew2
I still cannot fathom how Brad hasn’t won a B1G coach of the year yet. I sure hope the March narrative about not being able to beat good teams is put to bed. 2 Elite 8’s in 3 years does not grow on trees.
 
#342      
Mapman
hoopsfan47 said:
This team won because they are likely the most unselfish and truly together Illini team I have seen in the past 70 years. They are certainly in my all time favorites along with the Flyin Illini, the '05 Illini, and the '63 Big Ten Champions Illini. They are far from those others in their athleticism, but they are deeper in skills through 8 guys. They also can play as close to their potential as any team because they listen and they care. I hope they all will someday understand how rare this opportunity is to play with teammates like this. It has been a blessing for me to watch this team grow throughout the season. If I had a wish, it would be for all to return for one more season together while Brad seeks a couple talented EDGs to replace Ben and Kylan. Regardless of the $ awaiting or trying to pry them apart, this will likely be the only chance they will ever have to enjoy a special opportunity with a special group of guys. It likely will not happen, but it does not mean I can't pray for it. There is a chance.

And to add another pt., IMHO this is unquestionably the most amazing coaching job ever done at the U of Illinois. First, getting 4 rotational players to return was not easy. The easy part was getting Z aboard. But finding Mirk and Keaton was a miracle coup. Finally, convincing AS and his father to trust him and join the team in a roll no other could fill was worth every penny spent...which was many.

But, as we have seen so many times, putting an impressive and skilled roster on the floor guarantees nothing. Getting them to listen, buy into the culture, buy into the analytics, define, understand, accept, and adopt their roles, and finally developing a trust and understanding of each other so they could find the right chemistry together....that was a challenge faced by BU and staff who faced questions for which he might not have answers. In the past, they have come up short of expectations.

This season, they have met and exceeded them. But I am not selling Iowa short and expecting a FF slot. The Haweyes are B1G tested, can score big numbers, and will be a big challenge. But regardless, this next game is an opportunity to do and enjoy something special together for this Illini team. And if successful, they will appreciate it more and more every year of their lives. It will be a tough challenge, but that is what makes it worth doing.
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That’s one hell of a post!

Well Done Clapping GIF by MOODMAN
 
#343      
Gordon Shumway
I'm sorry. But damnit, I was so tired of all the pundits, all the Houston fans, everyone acting like we were out of our league in this one and should just be happy to hang around.

We're the MF'n danger!

We brought hell with us to Houston.

We played your game and beat you at it.

IL F'n L baby!
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#349      
wc_illini
lstewart53x3 said:
According to Torvik, VCU was our 2nd best defensive performance of the season. This was our 4th. That’s 2 of our top 4 best defensive performances in back to back games when it matters most.
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And it (82.3) was our best Q1A defensive performance- next best was 86.6 @Iowa, and those are the only two under 93. I've been hard on the team (and BU) about that, and I'm very happy they proved me wrong at the best time

Torvik says our offense performed right at our season average (when adjusted for Houston's defense)
 
#350      
fatboyslim
Dude was pathetic, I thought he was going to pull out a Houston jersey. Looked like he was about to cry after the game
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I still need to know what he said. I missed it and if anyone has any video or quote I would appreciate it.
 
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