The bottom line for the game is how the game is called. If the referees allow Houston to hand check us to the point of impeding our movement, Houston wins. Sampson dares referees to call every foul.
This is more of a bigger problem. Offensive strategy. Everyone in college basketball runs ball screens but the Illini run the 2-man game with no action on the weak side. During the ball screen, the other 3 players stand and wait for our PG to make a play. We just got beat by 2 teams (WI and...
Until this basketball team is taught and can execute defensive principles, we will not be a competitive basketball team. Michigan was toying with us all night. At one point they had 9 straight baskets on either a layup or a dunk. 9 straight!
If you do not have strong defensive principles, you are never going to win. I have watched for 2 years and the lack of fundamental defensive principles is unacceptable. Young teams can struggle offensively but there is no excuse for a lack of defense.