Really good win. Glad we were facing Rutgers so TSJ could shake some of the rust off. Harmon played a sensational game and Guerrier was extremely strong. Coleman had a very solid game as well and I thought Ty was doing a really good job out there until that 2 minute stretch in the 2nd half that got him benched. Really good win, now have to show up @Northwestern looking for blood. Win that one and we're in really good shape to compete for a B10 Title.
Illinois 86, Rutgers 63 Postgame
TSJ stopped their run dramatically, really got the crowd back.
DGL with the pretty assist to Dainja.
I heard from a reliable source that he likes to take the ball from the other guy and laugh.
Shot 22% from 3, 60% from FT, and still scored 86 and won by 23. Wow. Great games by Guerrier and Harmon. This team will be scary good once they re-integrate TSJ.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
TSJ just looked like a man who was celebrating being alive. Just being back in the floor with his buddies. The joy on his face any number of times made my heart glad
ginabackes00
CrazedUIFan
A great team finds ways to win. Poor FT and 3PT shooting didn’t matter. Crash the boards! Having Shannon back changes our defense drastically and adds to our transition offense. It also helps our bench strength.
TSJ's thunderdunk must have been healing for him.
That should make the highlights today.
That should make the highlights today.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
I was watching while cooking for the week, but from what I saw, no one really played small and there weren't hugely apparent chemistry issues. That's freaking great, considering the dudes who stepped up while TSJ was out could have been irked about a reduced role.
I love this team. I love their chemistry and I love how they're ready to face anything together. I know we've known this for a while, but this season is going to be special
I love this team. I love their chemistry and I love how they're ready to face anything together. I know we've known this for a while, but this season is going to be special
Thought same thing. We were horrible shooting tonight but other aspects of the game carried the day.
Interested to know if TSJ shot was affected by nerves, speed of the game or something else
There is just so much Feliz in Harmon.
A bull.
A bull.
It feels so good being able to cheer for TSJ in a game again. Really hoping that he’s innocent
The first few games Harmon played in, I thought he was overmatched and wondered what Underwood saw in him.
Man, was I wrong, that kid can play.
I think TJ can still get 10-12 a game just pushing on the break like he did in the last 10 minutes. Before his absence, our half court sets struggled. Now we kind of have the best of both worlds. TJ seemed content to play off the ball and play within the offense.
In 66 years of watching Illini basketball, I have never seen such an offensively diverse, capable, balanced, and talented offensive mix of skills. Planning to stop two players from going for 20+ is a total waste of time...and that is the typical plan of most coaches. Doesn't work against Illini. Rutgers did play some smart, tough defense at times, but to focus on stopping one player gives another the opportunity to shine...and they did.
What does that mean. Simple. When this experienced, long, smart, and talented defensive team is focused and energized, it will be tough for any team to beat them.
What does that mean. Simple. When this experienced, long, smart, and talented defensive team is focused and energized, it will be tough for any team to beat them.
Exactly. I don't recall a team as "together" as this one in recent llini history. You could argue 2005 was...but this team just seems even more connected. And, the balance we have scoring-wise is so great to see.
Justin Harmon channeling his best Andres Feliz today. Was great seeing Terrance back and the team working him back into the flo of the offense.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
FIFY, @LvilleILL!
I've critiqued this team today as not being "elite" with their non-elite, type of play starting the 2nd half. Once it was down to four points, the "eliteness" showed up big time. Kudos to them for showing some elitevity!