Illinois 102, Southern 55 POSTGAME

#101      
Idk how many offensive rebounds we got off missed 3s, but if we shot a respectable percentage from 3, you gotta think 115 would have been in the realm of possibility instead of “just” 102. We didn’t seem to have good rhythm on a lot of the 3s we took. Some in transition I think we shot just for the sake of shooting quickly, forgetting that they need to be GOOD, Quick shots.

Of course, we’re all kind of bummed on the level of the early schedule and tempering a bit with last nights opponent, but remember we did what we’re supposed to do. A B1G team should blow out a low major, and we Found a way to do it with crappy 3 pt shooting. 90+% from the line for a game is insane on that many free throws.
 
#102      

blackdog

Champaign
Very encouraged by last night's win. As others have stated, our O isn't close to what Underwood wants. That said, love the pace, ball movement and attack philosophy. Very little hero ball. Our D is markedly improved (tempered by our opponent). Cannot remember when we shot so many free throws. Love our percentage. We were bad on 3s, but still crushed them. Nice. Loved the rotations. And, finally, bravo to AJ! Hope he keeps it up (playing well, not avg. 17 ppg), because he can be a very valuable piece off the bench.

I would love it if AJ kept scoring 17 ppg!
 
#104      
But, but, but . . . we lost to Eastern.

On a side note, Nebraska opens their season with Eastern tonight.
Not a very strong comparison, but a little bit of one.
I say that because an exhibition that BU might not have minded losing versus a real game that Nebbie will want to win
 
#106      

Loyalillini10

Urbana, IL
Great game last night. It was a very fun atmosphere in SFC (we also sat behind the Centennial choir-fun group). Happy to see the playing time spread around. I really liked the effort from the whole team; everyone did a great job. The think Frazier and Williams did more than what their stats show. I really hope to build on this and never take an opponent lightly-like Illinois has done in the past. But most of all, I never want the Illini to be a "bad loss" on anyone's schedule ever again.
 
#108      
Great game last night. It was a very fun atmosphere in SFC (we also sat behind the Centennial choir-fun group). Happy to see the playing time spread around. I really liked the effort from the whole team; everyone did a great job. The think Frazier and Williams did more than what their stats show. I really hope to build on this and never take an opponent lightly-like Illinois has done in the past. But most of all, I never want the Illini to be a "bad loss" on anyone's schedule ever again.

The btn Plus feed made it hard to feel the energy in the building. With such a massive lead and all the fouls, i thought it seemed pretty blah from my living room. Good to hear the atmosphere was solid.
 
#109      
I think it is some of both. He looked great tonight. I hope that he continues to contribute as the opponents get harder. He always struck me as someone who wasn't elite in any of his skills but always worked hard at every facet of his game. I truly hope that this is the system that brings out the best he has to offer.

Coach U said in the post game that AJ is almost always in the gym when he gets there in the morning putting up shots. I have a good feeling that he's going to contribute this year. His help side defense was very good too.
 
#110      
On a side note, Nebraska opens their season with Eastern tonight.
Not a very strong comparison, but a little bit of one.
I say that because an exhibition that BU might not have minded losing versus a real game that Nebbie will want to win

That and the game isn't in EIU's band box. But they best not take EIU lightly.
 
#112      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
The btn Plus feed made it hard to feel the energy in the building. With such a massive lead and all the fouls, i thought it seemed pretty blah from my living room. Good to hear the atmosphere was solid.

barnhardt and deon are great together
 
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#113      
If they defend and rebound all year like this....I would like out chances most nights. Great start to a new era!