Exactly. We took care of business in every game we had to win and fell a game short. We've dropped 3 more of those types of winnable games this year.
Illini Basketball 2020-2021
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And still, if you go by JFGsCoffeeMug's scenario and we win every game we're favored in and lose every game we're not, we'd be 14-6. Better than last year. It's not a pipe dream, we've just gotta start playing like we're capable of starting with Iowa. Every game is a winnable game this year.
That scenario requires wins against Iowa, Wisconsin and @Minn (who have been very good at home). Winning all three of those is a tall order. 14-6 also won't be good enough this year. Last year Minnesota was the 3rd worst team in the conference at 8-12. This year there are 4 or 5 teams on track to have worse records than that. There's a much clearer separation between the top, middle, and bottom of the league which means someone is going to win 15 or 16 games.
Deleted member 747903
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Honestly, I don't really care if we win conference. I would like to see us finish top 4 and win the B10 tourney and then make noise where it really matters.
I'd be happy with this too. Winning the conference was something I really wanted to see them do, but I think expectations need to be re-adjusted from time to time. This can still be a successful season if this team can get it together.
We are currently tied for fourth with Purdue at 6-3, right? If we end the regular season tied only with Purdue for fourth, then we get the double bye for the tournament because we beat Purdue in our only head to head match-up. Then, assuming Purdue beats the 12-seed in their Thursday night game, our first B1G tournament game would be against Purdue.
I would like us to do better, but I can live with the outcome above.
I would like us to do better, but I can live with the outcome above.
Retro62
- North Bethesda, Maryland
We certainly have an uphill battle...I know this is dwelling in the past, and on negativity, but that Maryland loss is truly the killer at point. Yes, we really shouldn’t have lost to OSU either, but they are a good team and upsets in a league this tough are going to occur. The loss to Maryland was not just an upset, it was an abject failure by a team who should never have let it happen.
Sorry to rant, but I live in Maryland, and that one really sucks with a capital “WTF”
I also grew up in the Quad Cities, and a win against Iowa would do a great deal to mitigate that pain.
Sorry to rant, but I live in Maryland, and that one really sucks with a capital “WTF”
I also grew up in the Quad Cities, and a win against Iowa would do a great deal to mitigate that pain.
As previously stated, IMHO Grandison should have been on the floor for 20+ from the first game with CoHawk splitting time with him. The four guard lineup works only if all four guards are consistent threats from the arc and on the drive...which has not been the case at any time this season while both those guys are and can add interior defense and rebounding that Miller and Frazier can't. Let the guards split 120 minutes while the bigs split 80 and Grand and Hawk quickly climb the learning curve. This team will not be a tourney threat without them both playing 15+ minutes and Ayo, Frazier and Miller hitting 40+ from beyond the arc.
But of course, if they make the FF with Ayo, MIller and Frazier shooting 23% from the arc and Grand and Hawk playing single digit minutes, I will be the first to tell everyone I am a stupid !!!. But every one of you knows that is not going to happen.
But of course, if they make the FF with Ayo, MIller and Frazier shooting 23% from the arc and Grand and Hawk playing single digit minutes, I will be the first to tell everyone I am a stupid !!!. But every one of you knows that is not going to happen.
He'll get there. I think initially it's a confidence thing. Shooting is the same at any level - but driving on B1G athletes who are just as big and quick as you is a different story. I think we're going to be lethal on offense once he gets it in his head that he can take guys off the bounce.
He usually runs into a dbl team and Kofi in the middle. A few thoughts...nice to see Frazier seeking his shot again, didn't he use to penetrate more? Ayo seems ambivalent lately, maybe a nagging injury? Doesn't seem locked in. Still know we can count on him. Monte needs more guard minutes, he's a middle weight going against heavyweights. Also probably get more 3's. Miller has upgraded his defense and rebounding, loved that it happened during a scoring funk. Curbelo is a unicorn, haven't seen someone like him, electrifying! Hopefully he's here 4 years. It cracks me up that Curbelo, smallest guy on the court getting called for roughing up bigger guys, while Kofi is getting mugged most plays. Kofi, what can I say 17-10 a game, had a 33 pt game, leads country in dbl-dbls, shot better fts last 2 games, and hasn't had foul trouble, also adding a few new shots to the toolbox. Giorgi best backup center in the conference! Leads the 2nd unit and they usually catch us up after starters start slow . Love our new options at the 4, Grandison and Hawkins gives hope for different efficient looks at the 4 spot.
I still think nobody is getting out of the conference with less than 6 losses. Guess which two teams have played the easiest conference schedule to date. Michigan and Wisconsin. They're going to lose some games. I think Feb 7 is the date to circle on the calendar. Here are the games played between now and then.
Illinois - Iowa, @Indiana, Wisconsin
Iowa - @Illinois, @Ohio St
Wisconsin - Ohio St, @Penn St, @Maryland, Penn St, @Illinois
Michigan - @Purdue, Indiana, @Northwestern, Michigan St
Michigan's schedule is still decently easy to that point, but tricky. After that their schedule really ramps up, starting with a game at home against us. We will have a much clearer picture of the championship race going into Ann Arbor for what will hopefully be a monumental game.
Joe Lunardi current bracket
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
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I count 10 in with Maryland knocking on the door. Yeah, it's crazy to imagine.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I think those who are focusing on the upcoming schedule and saying the Illini have many opportunities to get some big wins and make a run at the conference title are correct (especially with Iowa losing to Indiana last night). Also, when you consider that they have two pretty bad losses in the conference to 3-6 Rutgers and 2-6 Maryland, and that half of their wins are against Northwestern and Penn State, those who point out that the performance in the first half of the season has been underwhelming are also correct.
Shellacking Michigan will do that for you. Purdue gets their shot tonight.
That is my thinking. Top 4 which is where we are now with the win over Purdue. We can beat Wisky and MSU. We can beat Indiana. Get in the top 4, that’s the goal At this point unless Michigan falls apart
He seemed to try to do that earlier in the season but had little success. He'd either turn the ball over, get his shot blocked or throw up a brick. He's backed away from it now. Not sure if that is his choice or the coach's.
True...but Minn has a shellacking on it's resume as well...thanks to the beloved
Minnesota has multiple shellackings
They're actually one piece of evidence for home vs away still being important. Crazy difference in how they play at the barn and when they're on the road
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
I guess I didn’t catch this soon enough. Now says video is private. Can anyone summarize what was shown?
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