Game Thread: Illinois vs Cincinnati

[IlliniForceOne]

Just when I thought Ayo’s legend couldn’t grow any more. This team finds a way

 

[sacraig]

Fully expecting us to lose this so we can play KSU and lose again to Mark Smith and Bruce Weber. 38-35 3OT thriller.

 

[skyIdub]

 

[GallopingGhost]

I think it’s frustrating because we can see what happens when we play with confidence and energy- going up 23-8.
But when we get thrown and can’t do what we were doing anymore, it’s been horrendous

 

[BRucks]

We all knew Ayo was important but dang I didn't think we'd immediately revert to John Groce level of offense without him.

It isn't just Ago. We haven't replaced Miller or Giorgi either.

 

[blife]

Curbello with the most ill-advised 3 of the night. Seriously you can't just play stupid, uninspired basketball and expect to win. Have got 0 50/50 balls. NO EFFORT

 

[Ken]

This could be a simple as the fact that while we loved Ayo, we didn't account for everything that he truly did. He was a leader, he was a calming influence, he ran the offense, he was a late shot clock bucket getter....all of that is missing right now. The NBA GM's didn't think enough of him, the preseason pollsters didn't think he enough of him and while we all adore Ayo, I think we underestimated his total value. They need to figure out a way to replace him in aggregate.

I love Ayo but thats not really the problem with this team. You have 4 and 5 year seniors giving you nothing offensively . You cant expect these guys to turn into world beaters but you can expect them to give you a simple of baseline of being consistently good at what they are good at .

We have seen none of it this game and the freshmen could've benefitted from these minutes

 

[IlliniForceOne]

Since the 19-4 start...

Shooting 5 for 26 (19%)
9 turnovers
45-16 run for Cincy.

 

[RickBB]

Well at last the 3rd place game isn't televised, so we don't have to see KSU beat us.

 

[LouHenson]

Underwood is going to have a tough time explaining this

 

[illini80]

The good news is we will get the Weber matchup everyone wanted.

 

[Hof]

Damn! I really like BU but, I really liked l john groce too!

 

[Rap73]

What excuse will Underwood have for Curbelo tonite

 

[KD1979ILL]

Boys are acting like they're the Harlem glob trotters... but they're not. Run some damn offense. Heads out of asses please.

 

[BRucks]

This is pathetic

 

[Krombopulos_Michael]

I’ve seen enough. Time to put the bulls on. This team isn’t good.

 

[IlliniRon]

Complete self destruct game

 

[CasualObserver05]

A 5 second play on a sideline out of bounds … I’m guessing that qualifies as a “hot take”

 

[King Snake]

You want to know what makes me mad about underwood? He just gives up and acts like a child on the bench. No adjustments, no motivation, nothing. He pouts, like that’s going to help his team.

 

[BBIQ]

Curbello with the most ill-advised 3 of the night. Seriously you can't just play stupid, uninspired basketball and expect to win. Have got 0 50/50 balls. NO EFFORT

Its okay I've been told, since its not a turnover.

 

[illini80]

Cinci is not even playing that well. 26% from 3, 38% from the field.

 

[Illini_Jack]

This game's over

 

[skyIdub]

Absolutely embarrassing effort.

 

[EthanM]

And to think, they had a week to prepare for this game.

 

[Miles Leonard]

One week. One week to prepare for this game. And this is the best you can do???

Shame on you. Shame on all of you.