Big Ten Tournament

Status
Not open for further replies.
#51      
I mean the team has to be prepared whoever we play whether it's Iowa/Northwestern/Minnesota. Anybody going to the game? It's in Indianapolis which is only a few hours from Champaign/Urbana.
 
#52      

SycIllini

Sycamore, Illinois
Anyone happen to hear Tim Brando on the Score this morning just now? Might be the worst interview by an "expert" I've ever heard. First, I guess Brando is doing the Big East tournament this week so they ask him about that...and he doesn't know who DePaul is playing in the first round. "Did Butler lose yesterday," Brando says. "Is that who they play now?" Doesn't even know the matchups of the game he will be calling. Then he starts talking about the Big Ten tournament and how Purdue can get in if they win the rematch with Rutgers. (except of course Purdue doesn't play Rutgers.) And finally David Haugh gets a question in about Illinois, and Brando starts talking about how Brad Underwood's style with the press and all the fouls won't work in the NCAA Tournament with all the fouling. I realize he's getting up there in years but can't believe he was that uniformed when he's going on a Chicago radio station.
I didn’t hear the interview but, sounds disappointing. I always liked Brando as play by play guy on broadcasts. Would have expected better.
 
#53      
I'm with you on not wanting to play Iowa first. They're a tough matchup for us and while we've split with them, it was an all out war to do so. Go Gophers !
Every matchup is tough. To be the best, have to beat the best. We take all comers. I love the fight in this team. We may lose a game, but the illini's opponent knows we were there. Lucas Johnson analogy inserted here.
 
#54      
I am looking to go to the Friday, Session 4 games. I am looking for 2 tickets if anybody is looking to sell. Please message if so. Go Illini!!!
 
#55      
Every matchup is tough. To be the best, have to beat the best. We take all comers. I love the fight in this team. We may lose a game, but the illini's opponent knows we were there. Lucas Johnson analogy inserted here.
Good post, I was just saying that this team's defense and rebounding core reminded me of the '01 Elite 8 team lead by the Peoria trio.
 
#56      
Good post, I was just saying that this team's defense and rebounding core reminded me of the '01 Elite 8 team lead by the Peoria trio.
I totally agree. One of, if not my favorite Illini basketball teams. Man. Sergio. We need a linebacker on our team every year.
 
#57      
Every matchup is tough. To be the best, have to beat the best. We take all comers. I love the fight in this team. We may lose a game, but the illini's opponent knows we were there. Lucas Johnson analogy inserted here.
It’s hard to be better than the best! And we should try that sushi burrito truck.
 
#58      
I didn’t hear the interview but, sounds disappointing. I always liked Brando as play by play guy on broadcasts. Would have expected better.
I listened to most of it on drive home from work. He sounded like they just woke him after a late night party. He was clueless as to where or what was going on. I was a little shocked but also laughing at it. He's usually pretty solid
 
#61      
The Iowa junior center has scored 53 points and had 18 rebounds in two games against Underwood’s Illini, so there’s that.
Any thoughts on how Underwood might slow Garza down a little, if we meet again on Friday?
 
#62      
The Iowa junior center has scored 53 points and had 18 rebounds in two games against Underwood’s Illini, so there’s that.
Any thoughts on how Underwood might slow Garza down a little, if we meet again on Friday?

I think the gameplan needs to be identical to the win....if several calls (they could have been more) had gone against him, then he is out of the game. Also I did notice that when Garza runs the floor, he is pretty much full head of steam...he doesn't always look forward as he is focused on getting passes as he runs. Could be opportunity to get a offensive foul if refs know to look for it?
 
#64      
A lot of rooting for Minny or NU here, but I want Iowa again.

The fact is, it would take a huge and unlikely upset for us to see anyone other than Iowa on Friday. And our guys have proven, that they should fear playing nobody at this point. The last ten years are history. It's been a very long time since we had a clutch player like Ayo. Think about it, everyone here is now talking about who we play AFTER OUR SECOND BYE!!! Sheesh, when was the last time we weren't playing on the first day? Bring Iowa!
 
#65      

FinalFour88

Charlotte, NC
The Iowa junior center has scored 53 points and had 18 rebounds in two games against Underwood’s Illini, so there’s that.
Any thoughts on how Underwood might slow Garza down a little, if we meet again on Friday?
I think the gameplan needs to be to not let other guys go off and have big games. Just assume that Garza is going to get his 25 or so points. The focus, once again, should be on defending the three point and winning the rebound margin, particularly offensive rebounds. I think it's also important to keep Kofi out of foul trouble. Imagine if we wouldn't have had Kofi available for that last play. On Sunday, Garza and Kofi both ended up with 4 fouls; if the two are even, that's fine.
 
#66      

Retro62

North Bethesda, Maryland
Honestly, I think Iowa just played the best game they could against us, and I have no fear of facing them again. Not predicting a win, but I think we have a better overall game in us if we play them. Also, I desperately want to see DMW cover Fran-kenstein's Monster again.
 
#68      

FinalFour88

Charlotte, NC
Honestly, I think Iowa just played the best game they could against us, and I have no fear of facing them again. Not predicting a win, but I think we have a better overall game in us if we play them. Also, I desperately want to see DMW cover Fran-kenstein's Monster again.
I hear what you're saying. Garza scored 28, they made 50% of their FGs, plus 50% of their 3s, slightly outrebounded us, Trent Frazier was ice cold again, yet Iowa still lost. That said, all Iowa needs is for someone other than Garza to have a big game. If we let up on defense, we'll get beat. If Trent hits a few threes, though, our chances improve greatly.
 
#69      
If Trent hits a few threes, though, our chances improve greatly.
Now would be a great time for Frazier to revert to his late-November or late-January 3P shooting. His five-game average was 61% on 12/2, and 49% on 2/2. It's currently at 18%. Maybe the two month cycle will repeat and he'll peak again in mid/late March.

With Williams getting better (63% over the last three games), a couple more outside threats beyond Griffin would completely change the outlook of this team.
 
#71      
Minnesota over Iowa wouldn't be much of an upset. They had one of the toughest schedules in the country and are better than their record indicates.
yep. really among the top 12 teams, I wouldn't classify many upsets as huge. Perhaps Minnesota or IU vs. MSU and Maryland. WI is seeded one and there's not a game they could lose against the top 12 that I'd call a huge upset. All our teams are pretty much grouped in a bunch.

Of course, what's the definition of "huge upset". I think Minnesota will be about a five point dog against Iowa.
 
#74      
That Ivy League cancellation is a bit of a surprise. But there are other similar events taking place all over the country.
San Jose Sharks won't have a home crowd over 1,000 for next 3 weeks, by local proclamation
SxSW cancelled
Big tennis tournament in Indian Well, CA cancelled / postponed

Worried about the NCAA having to do the same, or worse yet having to cancel in one regional, but not the others.
What to do then?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.