Game Thread: Illinois at Rutgers

[WyattEarp]

 

[HailtotheChief]

Believe it's a tossup. B10 network pimping Rutgers for that tournament bid, expect refs to do the same. We will need to play well and not have turnovers and extended scoreless stretch(es). But those are given this time of year against any opponent.

I do not think the refs are pimping Rutgers to make the tournament. There may be some home court influence but the refs dont have an agenda. I don't buy that. My dad god rest his soul always wore orange colored glasses but we do get calls too. I just hope the call fouls when Kofi is fouled not just when he is hacked.

 

[Orangetool]

I would love to see the evolving balance between Kofi's force in the paint with consistent outside shooting.

That will be our key going forward this year I believe. Pick your poison to our advantage.

 

[HailtotheChief]

Looking for another coming out performance by Melendez.

I hope RJ steps up again and even more so we see the Belo from the end of last season. Hopefully his ankle is better. I heard on BTN Settles said Belo said it's still a bother

 

[illinitiger]

There is probably some statistic Rutgers has that if a team scores over 80 they usually win. Most of the games I think that Rutgers has won have been low scoring games

Ok here's the stat I believe...Rutgers have won every b10 game where they held opponent 67 or less.

 

[Fulton County Illini]

Got a feeling Kofi and Belo are going to show out tonight for their East Coast peeps and be the difference. 68 - 63 good guys!

 

[FloridaMan]

I do not think the refs are pimping Rutgers to make the tournament. There may be some home court influence but the refs dont have an agenda. I don't buy that. My dad god rest his soul always wore orange colored glasses but we do get calls too. I just hope the call fouls when Kofi is fouled not just when he is hacked.

Agree to disagree. We get fewer calls than most home teams...on the road, forget it.

Edit: I hope for consistency, that's all. And call it when Kofi gets hacked.

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

 

[HailtotheChief]

Agree to disagree. We get fewer calls than most home teams...on the road, forget it.

Edit: I hope for consistency, that's all.

Well if refs are corrupt we are screwed I don't think they are or would be B10 refs if they were. If they didn't want us in first we wouldn't be. Let's go do this and win the game and don't make excuses before the game begins.

 

[InDaAZ]

Look for post-ups from whomever Plum is guarding. Need to play good help-defense today. Let’s lock ‘em down on D… and on O, Kofi and more Kofi - get Clifford the big red dog into foul trouble…

 

[Illini_Jack]

That was obviously a foul. Why are you booing?

 

[CDRUSN]

Mulcahey is neck and neck with Bohanan for the most punchable face in the Big Ten. May the biggest jerk take the honors at season's end. A few more Mulcahey smirks tonight, and I may have to give him the edge. Here's to the Illinois wiping that smirk off his face.

 

[spillini]

In love with that dunk

 

[Pikeillinifan]

Rutgers is playing well here, very tough defense.

 

[InDaAZ]

The big man is hangry - FEED him!

 

[FloridaMan]

Time for RJ

 

[Pikeillinifan]

Rutgers on fire.

 

[Manual3for4peat]

They’re definitely more up for this than us. Disappointing energy level.

 

[SouthFarmLlama]

Rutgers playing well. We aren't. It's still very early, but I've already seen enough of Grandison.

 

[FloridaMan]

So Kofi just air balled that? Not tipped or fouled?

 

[IlliniForceOne]

We’re being out worked again.

 

[spillini]

Kofi playing well down low, no need for the mid range. Draw those fouls when they're actually calling them

 

[DICKnaggie]

Guards have to be a threat. Shooting has got to improve and look to attack, not just dump to Kofi.

 

[GallopingGhost]

Hmmm this already looks bad. They are our for blood and we are trying to force our one play…

 

[blife]

Have to withstand this flurry of punches. Maintain composure and run of sets.