As a proud Father who walked his oldest daughter down the aisle this year and had the opportunity to toast the newlywed couple and have that heartfelt Father-Daughter Dance, I can't LIKE enough that you posted this video today. I L L !!!
Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa State, 9:09pm CT, TBS
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The feeling I have with this game is the same when there is a big time boxing match and you don't know who will win. We have talked about offense and defense, but I think the team that comes out hungry that doens't want to go home will win. Think of the play where TSJ dove on the floor and hit the ball off Mattis leg to retain possession. We need that type of effort across the whole team.
I’ve worn my lucky shirt starting with at Wsc. Yes, I’ll wear it tonight too. You’re all welcome.
Was out for breakfast in Pocono Pines, PA, this morning (Jubilee Restaurant) when a group of college age lads (just to show how old I am) sat down at the table next to us. One was wearing a UConn sweatshirt. I offered pleasantries with him, though he seemed rather dismissive. We happened to leave at the same time and I engaged him once again. Less dismissive this time--perhaps someone mentioned the fact that Illinois did indeed have a basketball tesm). The lad needs to be taught a lesson. With this game so we can play Saturday night.
In the meantime, a little Illinois Loyalty for your appreciation: How they played it 100 years ago.
In the meantime, a little Illinois Loyalty for your appreciation: How they played it 100 years ago.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
You have me beat in total wins, but I will raise you one with winning percentage!I’ve worn my lucky shirt starting with at Wsc. Yes, I’ll wear it tonight too. You’re all welcome.
I bought a new coverup to wear in Iowa City when we attended that game (plus to increase my arsenal of work-appropriate Illini apparel!), and with the way we played ... I figured I had to wear it again for the BTT. Long story short, we are now 6-0 when I've worn it! It is washed and ready to go. Rice did panic and move his pivot foot, but they didn't call traveling. Lipsey fell down and Rice passed to #0 Wells, who immediately found #23 Jakimovski for a wide open 3:
My wife always comments every pregame on hair and headbands and correlations with recent performances as there have numerous changes thus year. much like uniform thread discussions.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
There is a team in this matchup that hasn't been getting the attention and respect they deserve from the media all season, and it ain't us.
I began wearing my new Every Day Guys at the start of the B1G tournament and worn it for every game since. It’s not been washed during that, lest the mojo be washed away. It’s under anYou have me beat in total wins, but I will raise you one with winning percentage!
Illinois sweatshirt. I’m wearing Blue jeans, socks, and finished off in true Illini style. DReq
Always Illini
- Central Illinois
And I hope they receive a ton of attention as the team we beat to reach the Elite Eight!
I’ve worn my lucky shirt starting with at Wsc. Yes, I’ll wear it tonight too. You’re all welcome.
Going to Maunday Thursday services tonight wearing it too.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
They are going to foul us. No clue how it gets called, but you can't play hounding defense like they do without getting away with some 50/50 calls.
CoHawk better have his head on straight for some of these. MD and Ty better get some help to the ball when they close out.
Move and execute on offense, rebound, and play solid defense on our own.....and we get to Daddy Brad's favorite word 8.
CoHawk better have his head on straight for some of these. MD and Ty better get some help to the ball when they close out.
Move and execute on offense, rebound, and play solid defense on our own.....and we get to Daddy Brad's favorite word 8.
The Sprouting Divot
Invisible and Bulletproof
- Miracle Mile
I have been feeling that way for a day or two myself, but at the same time, no outcome between a 20 point loss or a 20 point win would surprise me very much.
It also seems to be that many neutral observers from the national media are picking us, not out of disrespect for Iowa State, but because they are much more excited by an Illinois-UConn matchup.
I think if it were a game earlier in the tournament or just a regular season matchup, the predictions would be more even, but people are really intrigued to see what we would look like against UConn. So let's give the people what they want!
Who is getting the putback dunk off of their own missed three to swing the game for the Illini? Seems like something Quincy could pull off.
Obviously TSJ is the most obvious choice athletically but QG plays more like Roger Powell so he's a good fit.
NASchamp
- Atlanta
Looking at tape of how Iowa State players are using their bodies to pretty much push an opposing player into a travel, I have no idea how they have been getting away all year without those being called a foul. You can foul with body parts other than your hands in every other basketball situation…
Got my lucky ILLINI Tournament socks on today, which I have worn for every one of our Big Ten/Big Dance Tournament wins this year. I ONLY wear them for Tournament games. Wore them in St. Louis in 2005 and plan on wearing them in Phoenix in 2024. Four more wins!I’ve worn my lucky shirt starting with at Wsc. Yes, I’ll wear it tonight too. You’re all welcome.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I feel like foul calls will be a double edged sword for our prospects. On one hand, if they let the Iowa State defense get away with fouling, that will not work in our favor. On the other hand, it will really hurt us if one or more of the refs has his head set on calling TSJ for a charge when he takes it to the hoop. As another poster said, two fouls on TSJ in the first half completely changes how we operate, and we will then need a big game from Domask, Hawkins or likely both to win.
Idk. Not a good comparison. The 2005 team was a fairly good defense team (except for post defense) with a better offense than Louisville. That’s why we dominated them. This game contrasts two different styles. We’ve gotten better talent though.
We haven’t lost by double digits the entire season. Iowa St has. I seriously doubt we lose by 20
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Congrats to you, your daughter, and the new addition to your family!
Both teams want badly to win and are going to give great effort. The issue might be be which team is better able STAY hungry in face of adversity. Can't get discouraged or start questioning ourselves if they force a couple turnovers in a row, or if we miss a couple threes (or bunnies, or fade-aways).
I like our recent track record. How does ISU hold up mentally when their opponent goes on a scoring run, like we will (presumably!)? I dunno.
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