Game Thread: Illinois vs UConn

[azillini1]

Gotta hit some threes if we are going to win… not a good start

 

[Retro62]

Getting owned on the boards and missing all our threes—worst combination possible.

 

[fantasydaily708]

Not good they are playing harder and smarter need to respond fast or this can get ugly

 

[Epsilon]

Foul happened before the shot. But then again with it. Should have called the over the back first.

 

[FloridaMan]

Outrebounded 8/4 so far. Recipe for a convincing loss.

 

[Keene-4-3]

Reed exposes our lack of girth at the 5.

 

[PNWIllini]

Them taking rebounding away cannot happen.

 

[Illinisnake]

Reed is a problem. Horrible start, we look stunned. Disappointing

 

[One Man Fast Break]

Oh no are we gonna get blown out

 

[Illini2010-11]

Really no answer on defensive end right now. Hopefully Reed hurts his hand on the rim...really our only hope with the defense we have played on him.

 

[IlliniWatcher]

The thing about an opponent going jets-on strong in a first half is that they could leave less in the tank for the second half. That's what happened with Iowa. Illinois has longevity. Keep the faith, all - it's 40 minutes.

 

[Leelnd]

I hate to say it, but I almost wonder if we are better off in the matchup zone. We are struggling with the pin downs and double screens.

 

[FightinIllini30]

Defensive game plan is so far

 

[sacraig]

We're bricking open 3s and they're splashing them. That's essentially the difference so far.

 

[Ryllini]

R
E
B
O
U
N
D

 

[Da88]

Reed will get his rebounds. Can't let the rest of them get boards.

 

[BoiseBaller]

Can we defend the 3 plz?

We’ve been fortunate in previous tourney games that guys missed a lot of open ones. UConn won’t give us that luxury.

 

[PopChampaign]

Time to man the f*ck up and stop Reed.

 

[JJE]

This is gonna open up pretty quick if we don’t get some…. Wait any stops

 

[PapaDelsMadeMeFat]

Shoot better - rebound better - defend better.

Do two of the three and we win.

 

[Oracle21]

They are hitting 3s and we’re not. Not much else to this so far

 

[daniellarusso]

Let me know when you want me to set off the horn

 

[BBlock24]

Nightmare start. Just like Iowa.

But unlike Iowa, im not sure we are the better team.

 

[Illini_Jack]

I'm concerned but it's early

 

[SemperFiIllini]

This is gonna get ugly if we continue to get owned in the paint and chuck bricks from 3