Game Thread: Illinois vs Maryland

[FromTheLogo]

They were unconscious in the first half. Almost a B1G tourney record. We gave them 15+ points. The second half will be different, but we're down too much to recover.

Minor point... Morez' is still playing drop coverage on D. We Haven't been playing that nearly as much since he's been out. The lack of practice shows.

 

[abchew2]

The confidence Maryland must have bagainst us before we step foot on the court and the doubt we have puts us so damn far behind the 8 ball from tip

 

[Jimbo]

If you’re watching the 2nd half, you are a true fan, or maybe a glutton for punishment. I will be watching till the end.

 

[IllinistrandedinHouston]

Anybody else go to the liquor cabinet during halftime?

Started long before halftime. I am getting my weekend back so why not !

 

[Oracle21]

I have no idea how good KJ is, but everyone says he's a high 1st round pick. It's got to be on potential, because he certainly hasn't earned "high draft pick" to me.

Yes, he's had some great moments. To me, he's not playing nearly at all close to "high draft pick" level. But, I am sure we'll get criticized. I just comment on what I see.

I would not want my favorite NBA team drafting him. He needs immense improvement on his ball handling.

Maybe he gets some feedback and comes back another year. If you are an NBA Scout, do you really think he can handle NBA ball pressure next year? And if he can’t, are you willing to spend a lotto pick on a guy that won’t contribute for at least 2+ years?

 

[azillini1]

So, Michigan State has won the last 7 games against Maryland since early 2022. Although I don't like all of his antics, Izzo has Maryland's number. Give credit to Izzo.

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

I mean listen, we aren't playing well, but there's no team in the country beating Maryland today. A college team can't shoot 57% from three with 0 turnovers and 9 offensive rebounds against a high school team. I'd love us to have played better but even if we did, we're probably still down over double digits.

Just no chance in this one other than fouling them out

We have 4 assists and 11 turnovers. They have 15 second chance points and 17 points off turnovers. That's all on us.

 

[hoopsfan47]

Just got off the road in Montgomery, Al. and checked the score. My worst fear after last night was that our defense was horrendous and we only beat a bottom feeder because we shot lights out. Not having seen any of the first half play, it seems to have come to pass that the Illini tried the same strategy against a team that is pretty darn good. Surprise, surprise....that does not work....much like the Illini defense.

 

[Simeonriceburner99]

 

[Illini-Rule]

If you’re watching the 2nd half, you are a true fan, or maybe a glutton for punishment. I will be watching till the end.

I'm watching until the bitter end.

 

[Wazababybrucedouglaskid]

This is why money and drafting on potential is so bad for the kids futures! I guess you could say that KJ is better off long term with developing in the NBA but now you can make similar money with NIL for a year or two and grow in college and actually get to play in games and not practice or crap development teams with 500 fans! He is nowhere near ready but if he stayed in college for a year or two more would likely figure out how to slow down and eliminate the crazy turnovers. I just hope he doesn’t go draft under the premise that he is lottery and be the kid that is still sitting in the room on draft night. The league will do that to you in a heartbeat!

 

[Trueblue777]

Tre was just outmanned , not a good matchup

 

[ILLINI IN NE]

Right now I'm hoping all of Maryland's players enter the portal and we get them all.

 

[aaeismacgychel]

We are without intensity. That’s why maryland is playing so well/

We're not playing well, but we have to give Maryland some credit here as well. They've been absolutely incredible. They play like this every game and they have an undefeated season and win a Natty. They've been that good today.

 

[Oldskoolkoach]

That Hamer D causing HAVOC with 0 forced turnovers

 

[IllinistrandedinHouston]

Or inebriated

 

[HailtotheChief]

Will come on nit even close..relax

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

I don't care if Ivisic has three fouls, just play him until he fouls out and make some of this second half watchable. Start Morez too, he's playing OK.

Morez is being bullied, but he's all we have when it comes to any type of frontcourt toughness. He's young and he's playing against a lottery pick.

 

[LurkerintheOpen]

For sake of tournament momentum the new “win” for me is now losing by 10. I shall coin the game “the comeback” if they succeed.

 

[racinghoss]

If you’re watching the 2nd half, you are a true fan, or maybe a glutton for punishment. I will be watching till the end.

Me too, but i poured my 2nd half bourbon cheap and DEEP.

 

[Illini John]

Don't worry guys. Our three-point shooting will get us back in this.

 

[DeeIL89]

Double digit turnovers, awful defense, awful 3 point shooting, no toughness. Yep, our flaws are forever present.

 

[Heisenbobble]

Good thing this team is fully healthy and we're finally seeing the REAL Illini! Oh wait ...

 

[TheFlyingIllini1317]

I think we can get this to 10 with 10 to play, play some defense!

 

[illinifan1987]

I'm so glad I pregamed for this. At least the alcohol dulls my anger and disappointment from this show. This may be the second game I stop watching before the 10 minute left mark. The first one? Duke earlier this year. The only way this team doesn't end up as the most disappointing is if they make the S16, IMO. Including that Monster Energy year...