Game Thread: Illinois vs Houston

[618 Illini 314]

Those bashing Trent’s quick shot (before the end of half shot). Does no one understand the idea of 2 for 1?

Let’s go win this thing! I love this team.

 

[Illini8420]

Even if we lose we’re gonna be in good hands with RJ and Goode in the future, these guys bring it.

 

[Hopingfor500]

This goes back to the same situation all year. Barkley just reinforced it. If they make the three, they win, if they don't, they lose. It's been that way all year. Houston has decided to take Kofi away and let the "other guys" beat them. Now, can they? Plummer and Frazier have to be outstanding for us to be there at the end. The Freshman gave them a boost, your seniors have to bring you home.

 

[plooger]

We’re playing well relative to the BPI perspective.

2023-24 Men's College Basketball Power Index - ESPN

View the 2023-24 Men's College Basketball power index on ESPN. The BPI is the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season.

www.espn.com

 

[Ransom Stoddard]

Looking at the box score--Houston is shooting worse than us from 3 and FT, and about the same on FG. Turnovers and rebounds are the big differential in Houston's favor. TO's have been an issue throughout the year, but if we hit the board harder this game is ours.

 

[IlliniForceOne]

1. Keep them off the offensive glass
2. Make our open looks
3. Make free throws.

It may be this simple.

 

[AnnaMay]

He completely loses his man at least 5 times a game. But we need his offense. Once we have a lead toward the end get him out of there.

We dont need his offense. If you give up more than you provide what good are you? If he isnt hitting 3s he is a liability. It's amazing watching him stare at shots go up on the offensive end. He doesnt even try to get rebounds. He is like the Hulk. Hulk smash...Plum shoot. This team's biggest problem is consistency and it has to do with Plummer and Curbelo. Both have huge upside, but when they are not accomplishing those things they just kill us.

 

[pruman91]

I'm thinking Greg Gumbel is a fellow gummy bear enthusiast

 

[Rocky]

We're NOT gonna lose. Whenever BU's conservative hand is forced, we discover new talent that the Illini forum already knew about !!!! We need 3 shooters on the floor at ALL times.

 

[SouthFarmLlama]

Yes, just seeing Goode and RJ out there, give me so much joy and hope for the future. We are only down a few points, just get the offense flowing, feed Kofi and let's win this mothertrucker!!

 

[madcrazeeballa]

It's not the same team we've had all year. Grandison might as well be out and Trent may be at like 60% capacity right now.

Sure personnel right now is different, but you’re crazy if you think that offensively we are different then the beginning the year. We rely on the 3 to open things up inside. 3’s aren’t falling and the lineup Brad rolled out has offensive deficiencies in favor of a stronger defense.

I’m hoping Brad is still willing to play Melendez and Goode in the second half since that seemed to spur a mini run

 

[ILLFAN67]

Those bashing Trent’s quick shot (before the end of half shot). Does no one understand the idea of 2 for 1?

Let’s go win this thing! I love this team.

I understand two for one but I want a better shot!!

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

Please, just give me one good half. Start it strong, finish it strong. No lulls. No long stretches without scoring. Pedal to the f'ing metal for 20 minutes.

 

[Obsafeman]

We lost 3 experienced assistants, one of the best all time leaders in Illini history in Ayo,
won a Big Ten title - and we are close to advancing to the Sweet16. I like where we are, where we are headed and we are gonna roll in 2nd half. Goode and Melendez- leaders! Here we GO!!

 

[Tacomallini]

get it to Kofi get that 3rd foul on Carlton right away

 

[orange100]

You pick the correct spelling of collidge /collage/ kolege on the SAT?

Fowl on you.

 

[Hopingfor500]

Those bashing Trent’s quick shot (before the end of half shot). Does no one understand the idea of 2 for 1?

Let’s go win this thing! I love this team.

I love the optimism, but that was a bad shot. The 2 for 1 comes when there's a 10 second difference between game and shot clock.....not 2.5 seconds. Houston took their shot too shoot, which is what left the 4.6 seconds.

Glad it ended the way it did though.

 

[216superdude]

My three keys to the game, 1.Need to have guys going towards the hoop and stop this side to side. 2. Guards need to Rebound the ball 3. get the ball to Kofi down low without forcing it. Sponsored by Kellogg’s.

 

[KCBassin]

Limit the turnovers make them score in the half court and rebound and I will take our chances. Can't give them another free 12 points in transition.

 

[WeWillWhen]

Got to believe that some of Plummer’s threes will fall in the second half.

 

[Cairo]

You pick the correct spelling of collidge /collage/ kolege on the SAT?

 

[IlliniForceOne]

Looking at the box score--Houston is shooting worse than us from 3 and FT, and about the same on FG. Turnovers and rebounds are the big differential in Houston's favor. TO's have been an issue throughout the year, but if we hit the board harder this game is ours.

Here’s a stat for you: Houston has 7 points off of out of bounds turnovers alone.

~25% of their first half points came off of out of bounds/ inbounds plays turnovers.

Also, Luke Goode was +8 in the first half.

 

[PassingBy]

This team can win if they stop turning it over and hopefully keep them off the glass

AND, keep the FR on the floor

 

[Pikeillinifan]

Got to believe that some of Plummer’s threes will fall in the second half.

If we’re going to win, we need 3-4 from him this half. He had a couple decent looks but just plain missed.

 

[Docta Illiniwek]

Some of these possessions felt like weberball