Illinois 112, Penn 70 Postgame

#30      
Good defense tonight, especially liked Vaaks' d. 21 assists on 43 made fgs - shared the ball well.
Way too many turnovers, gave up way too many offensive rebounds to Penn (they beat us by 1), need to shoot freethrows better - could bite us in future games
 
#38      
cw17.gif


cwplus22.gif


wos02.jpg


{ 2-0 } { 0-0 }

Two games into the season and the lads are having fun.........they really really are ...............

Andre and Quinton were driving the rim like it was a quest and showed talented moves all game long ......Coleman NEVER STOPS ....
I watched him after his paint buckets and hustled his arse back on defense , not flexing or poising but just playing the game.......

so many highlights but I'm so impressed with our freshman and their different skillsets..........Coleman , Brown , Zens , Morillo , Williams all are top notch performers so far and Davis is not far behind ............

Disappointed not seeing some vintage Franny but this victory makes up for that .....................

psyc2.gif


psyc41.gif


We are a very explosive and skilled TEAM ........even this early in the season I can see a tight and cohesive squad........

next up Texas Tech ...........LET'S GO ILLINI !!!!!!!!!!! .........

wos12.gif


psyc117.gif


Enjoy the win Illini Nation .....we are showing championship caliber play , even without Mirko - Man ........
 
Last edited:
#42      
Pretty terrific game to watch and enjoy for Illini fans. I don't think we will see Mirk get much over 25 min. as he will be challenged for awhile to play at the pace we are seeing now.

But, he does bring some advantages at times, especially when he is hitting threes at a 40% rate, and BU just might slow things down to focus on them. Jake will fit seamlessly if and when he returns as he is willing to run and pass and shoot quickly.

So far, we are seeing four freshman that can defend well enough to be trusted. They all cn score quickly and at any point in the game. Morillo is trying to get over the hump and looks to be an effective scorer and is progressing defensively. Not sure he can join this track team but anyone who can add at both ends is welcome. Davis is the odd man out at the moment, but he is no slouch from an offensive viewpoint. Landon will likely need a year to develop and gain confidence. As for JJ, he has really shown some chops and confidence and I am glad we have him. Finally Vaaks is a diamond that is getting polished. I have stated before that playing defense is mostly want to, and his performance shows he want to. Watch him grow...he is a blessing to have on this TEAM.
 
#43      
Has Illinois ever had back to back 110+ games?
  • November 2025 (2025–26 Season):
    • November 3, 2025: Won 113–55 vs. Jackson State
    • November 7, 2025: Won 113–70 vs. Florida Gulf Coast
  • November 2019 (2019–20 Season):
    • November 23, 2019: Won 120–71 vs. Hampton
    • November 26, 2019: Won 117–65 vs. Lindenwood
 
#45      
I’ve been away for a while. Are we no longer freaking out about the 9th guy in the rotation?
Adding in Mirk and Jake, 12 guys have looked like they could be rotation players on a good team.
 
#47      
Impressive: Tempo and unselfish play while not relying on 3’s.

Need to improve: 70% at the foul line and 19 (!) turnovers.

Orange Krush also felt low energy compared to Izzone at MSU game (No offense meant). Hopefully gets rockin’ with tougher opponents.
 
#48      
I thought the first five minutes we had poor effort defensively, but we adjusted and did a much better job. It is a nice luxury to be able to pull guys and not see much of a drop off, if any. I really hope these freshmen stay together. They can be special.
 
Back