Illinois 101, USC 65 Postgame

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#128      
fuddrules
From the cheap seats said:
I realize that for many Illini fans it’s the tourney run that defines the season. But man has this team provided some magical moments. So entertaining, in the way they play but also how they carry themselves.
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You can put me in that camp. However - I loved watching the 89 team during the season. I loved watching the 05 team during the season. Those teams had "it" during the season. I've loved watching this 26 team so far.

As much as the 21 season was fun, other than Ayo being a complete player, I was never fully invested into thinking that team was special despite a #1 seed. Kofi and Frazier were great Illini but each had limitations. Same with some other years. A year or two in there especially the Skyy and Mayer year - no thanks - I wouldn't move heaven and earth to watch them play. Their cohesiveness was embarrassing.

This 26 team won't be getting a #1 seed (probably) and may not make the FF but it's a group that I believe can do it. I truly believe they can get there and at least for me, that's a rarity. Underwood has assembled his best team yet and the depth and cohesiveness is extremely impressive. This team has the 'it" factor.

So while I'm a tournament diehard, I know it's tough to make the FF and you need some breaks to make it. Regardless of what happens in the tournament, this team as well as the staff will be considered a phenomenal success, IMO. They are a lot of fun to watch.
 
#129      
Illini in Italy
RabidDawgClassic said:
From a USC message board:

View attachment 47685

While I don’t know the official totals, the 4-1 ratio of Illini fans to USC fans is not unreasonable. I’ve personally never been to a road game, or even a neutral site game, where the orange shirts so greatly outnumbered the opposing fans. It certainly was an enjoyable game to witness in person.
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The pro-Illini crowd was clearly heard during the game, and the "I L L - I N I" chants were wonderful to hear!
 
#130      
phats22
sacraig said:
Sorry, long day at work yesterday and I crashed early.

Anyway...

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same my friend, same

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#131      
Second place is 1st loser
Chuck Nuggets said:
The refs were horrendous. I notice no one seems to have a problem with that statement when your team wins by 36.
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Nobody has issues with it because:

1)It was consistent throughout. They were ticky from beginning. As long as they don't change their style mid game, it's fine because it causes both teams to have to adjust. You might not like how close it was called, but believe it or not, as long as it's the same for 40 minutes, it's a well officiated game. Both teams adjusted and the second half was clean.

2)We had 6 more free throws than USC

3)We outscored then by 12 at the stripe

All in all, it was tight, but fair.
 
#132      
illiniguy24
What an incredibly balanced box score to wake up too. Perfectly balanced slaughter. 7 players in double figures. 7 holes poked in the Trojan rubber. Can’t wait for the orange and blue tinted Trojan born this November
 
#133      
phats22
Dragons89 said:
These teams are putting so much game planning on stopping Keaton and bullying him while everyone else reaps the benefits. That doesn’t work when all 5 players can torch you. With KB and AS back, glad to see our depth return. When Jake and Ben play like that….good night!!!
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what is absolutely impressive is Keaton's willingness to let the game come to him and take what he's given

its such a cliche but so rare to see, esp from a freshman. truly truly a team player who doesnt seem to prioritize "getting his" if the team is succeeding

we need to clone him immediately 🤣

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#137      
Barfolomew
It was just as we all thought 24hrs prior to this game.
Andrej Stojakovic as your leading scorer and Jake Davis as your leading rebounder.

I disagree about the bad refs. I mean, there is no more exciting play in college basketball than the free throw.
Also, screw them for taking some of the luster off of KB's insane putback dunk.
 
#138      
Calvin
From the cheap seats said:
I realize that for many Illini fans it’s the tourney run that defines the season. But man has this team provided some magical moments. So entertaining, in the way they play but also how they carry themselves.
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Agree they've been delightful to watch, but you can't escape that they'll be remembered by how well they play down the stretch. The Michigan game is going to tell us a lot. #1 Offense vs #1 defense. Both teams playing at a natty level.
 
#142      
RabidDawgClassic
altgeld88 said:
My fave post of the pregame thread was at its end when you picked up a ticket from an Illini brother who couldn’t go. That was splendid. Watched the game knowing you were there and loving it.
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Shoutout to @Illini60613! It’s a shame he couldn’t make it, but I was happy to serve as his proxy. I was planning to go anyway, so one more Illini fan in attendance would’ve added to the “home court” atmosphere. Hopefully he’ll be able to make the UCLA with a similar outcome. .
 
#148      
RabidDawgClassic
Crazy Gringo said:
Speaking of DGL... he's having a great year for UNLV. Avg almost 20-3-3 on 50% shooting. Albeit on a not very good UNLV team. Glad to see he's doing well though.
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I think DGL could’ve put up similar numbers here… IF he were our number one option. But, of course, there were guys ahead of him, three of which are currently in the NBA. He’s in a place where he can succeed individually, but not have great team success.
 
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