lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Yeah, Texas Tech hasn’t played well. They’re down to 31 in KenPom, so that win as of now is basically Iowa at home (29 KenPom).
Illinois 87, UT Rio Grande Valley 73 Postgame
- Status
We will see but they have two 1st round picks and a really good coach
I certainly won’t write them off as 7th in their conference this early
Big 12 is actually really good this year though
Hmm... Not according to College Basketball Reference....I don't trust my memory enough to just go from that. That Ohio game seems like it happened last week...
Edit: right games by year...had my tournament stuff messed up. (didn't check those)
Last edited:
Could be, but in reality no one likes sitting on the bench.
True but we already know how Brad feels about Tomi.
I am not an insider. However, my impression of coach Underwood is that he is not a bite my tongue kind of guy. I do not think he should change his method of operation. Just my thought from a total outsider.
So Texas Tech is basically our basketball team's version of the football team's Duke win, and we didn't even beat Texas Tech by that much
After re-watching the UTRGV game, I will not say the Illini played a terrible game. The Vaqueros deserve a lot of credit for their effort on both ends. What the did for almost 40 minutes was hit tough, mostly contested, quick shots. 42% from the arc was not simply shooting wide open threes, of which there were very few, but quick, contested threes that just kept finding the bottom of the net. The Illini had far more uncontested threes, hit some, but missed too many. For some reason, KB was not very aggressive on offense while Wagler had a tough shooting night but did some little things well. This was the type of game that, in some previous years, would see the Illini chasing a 3-5 pt. deficit into the final 5 minutes when a bounce, a call, or a lip out could spell doom. But that did not happen.
Sure, there were many lessons to learn, but that is why this game was played. It was a good thing to get this win on a tough night of Illini play....but it was a win.
What was noticeable was that UTRGV quickness exposed problems that this team may not be able to fix. Teams like Purdie or UConn have the patience and expertise to work to get the math-ups they want....quick guards on a big vic ...and exploit their advantage. As long as our guys are willing to listen and work hard doing what is asked, those can...maybe....be held to a minimum. But a quick guard who can finish or pull up and hit jumpers will always be a challenge for Tomi, David, or Z.
The point is, this semi-comfortable 14 point win was not as bad of a thing as we paint it to be....especially if this group of young Illini can hold their turkey consumption to a reasonable level and come back like the Fighting Illini for 40 minutes of their best effort on Friday. We will soon know.
Sure, there were many lessons to learn, but that is why this game was played. It was a good thing to get this win on a tough night of Illini play....but it was a win.
What was noticeable was that UTRGV quickness exposed problems that this team may not be able to fix. Teams like Purdie or UConn have the patience and expertise to work to get the math-ups they want....quick guards on a big vic ...and exploit their advantage. As long as our guys are willing to listen and work hard doing what is asked, those can...maybe....be held to a minimum. But a quick guard who can finish or pull up and hit jumpers will always be a challenge for Tomi, David, or Z.
The point is, this semi-comfortable 14 point win was not as bad of a thing as we paint it to be....especially if this group of young Illini can hold their turkey consumption to a reasonable level and come back like the Fighting Illini for 40 minutes of their best effort on Friday. We will soon know.
We played it at least one possession, maybe 2, that I noticed. The one that I definitely know we were in zone, they hit a 3. I'm guessing that is the main reluctance with that defense. Hardly any programs play it as primary scheme. It can, however, be effective as a change of pace to disrupt an opponent's rhythm or a scoring run. God knows teams have employed it effectively against us regularly in the recent past.
Petrovic may be the best offensive weapon among he, Kylan and Wagler, but he also may be the weakest defensively. Underwood won’t be able to play Kylan and Petrovic together much due to their size. Rationing their minutes thus becomes a fascinating problem.
Mihailo and KJ, different sizes and ages, yet similar style of play. KJ is extremely shifty and smart, Mihailo is very smooth and smart. I am enjoying the style of basketball BU has this going for the last few years.
Seems to struggle with Defense and Turnovers. Very typical for a freshman
I dont think being tough on him or coaching him hard will be an issue for David, but me personally would like if Brad kept that same energy when it comes to Wagler too. He seems like cant do wrong in his book but both eye test and stats proving otherwise. Yet only one of them gets ripped every game for same freshman issues they deal with early in the season.
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
That game scarred, but so bad that I remember it as a loss.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
All things considered it was very similar.
I also believe it wasn't the most evenly/fairly refereed game. They were pushing, reaching, slapping and not being called for many of them. We never responded in kind. I think the referees let them get away with more fouls then they would a better team.
We seem to have a susceptibility to that style of play, and it really impacts our three point shooting. Maryland, Penn State and Northwestern have had too much success against Illinois with the same defensive strategy. I know we make a concerted effort not to foul, so practice could be not a good replicator of game situations against that strategy.
Nothing will ever top the buzzer beater to beat Chicago State.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
What about 2011(?), when we lost at the United Center? That was a real low.
Note that this team went 15-19, so...
I don't see why Tyler can't have pick and roll with one our bigs when Petro ic is in the game. This could be just as effective as purdue does it with Smith. watching Illinois play is like watching the NBA . last night Bozwell led a fast break with 2 on 1 and pulled up and laun he'd a three.
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
Right? Now that was real pain.
- Status