I think it's too much to expect Griffin to shoot lights out in his first game back, but when he's at his best, he gets offensive rebounds and makes a lot of hustle plays. Garza's going to get his, but if we create some extra possessions, we can overcome his total.Here are my thoughts that will equate to a W. Play solid d without fouling and shoot it at decent clip but for me it seems it always comes does to getting more possessions and limiting theirs. Control the rebounding on both ends. Limit Iowas extra chance and get some offensive boards . Also win the turnover battle.That is one thing that has really improved as the year has gone on. WE are turning it over much less and we need to force a few more. Also guard the 3 point line . I know that is a lot if i could pick two id say win the Rebounding and Turnover battle and the Illini win.
Brings me to my worry for today....staying out of foul trouble in an intense BIG road game.~80% of this game rides on our D. Intensity will be at 11. Great that we finally get Griffin back. We're deeper than Iowa, hopefully we can wear them down. Win the board battle and stay out of foul trouble, and we got this.*
* - I think, lol
I agree and I mean that both ways. Iowa is a very good 3 pt shooting team. I heard Tate say yesterday we 280th in the nation. We need an above average day while holding them below average to have a chance today.I think the three point line is everything in this game. Let Garza score, but don't let him pass out of the double for wide open threes.
This is a different team with a completely different philosophy with Kofi in the middle. We can clearly guard the three well now and if they happen to drive past us the big man will be waiting for them. There is a reason Purdue and Michigan had so few good looks or even attempts from 3.This is the only team in the conference that I think is a truly bad matchup for us. My concern isn't Garza. He's going to get his, which is fine. It's the knockdown three point shooters they have surrounding him. The last two games we've played against them have not gone well, especially the Big Ten Tournament game.
Iowa. 77
Good Guys. 62
The good news is that we're playing with house money today.