madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
The 2005 elite 8 game vs Louisville is playing on big ten network at 5:00 pm central.
Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa State, 9:09pm CT, TBS
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Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Hey, I’m as superstitious as they come - it’s been washed between every game just because it was after the Iowa win!NO!!! You don't risk washing it with a streak like that in the balance.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Hey, I’m as superstitious as they come - it’s been washed between every game just because it was after the Iowa win!
As opposed to my boxers........
I’ve washed my socks and my skivvies between games, a command performance from my wife.As opposed to my boxers........
Happy wife, happy life.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
There’s nothing greater than watching our team play in late March. (Maybe April? 
) I’m proud of this team no matter what transpires. I feel a major “goal” has been accomplished with making the sweet 16, although not the ultimate goal. We get to hang a banner from the BTT. But more than that we get to watch these boys go at it at least one more time and fight their hearts out to make it to the Elite 8. Winning this game truly takes a great season to an amazing one. ISU is really really tough, and playing better than anyone lately, but I feel our stars and momentum is on our side.
I’ll be watching closely, cheering loudly, booing the refs, and nervously posting with you guys.
How lucky are we? How SWEET!
) I’m proud of this team no matter what transpires. I feel a major “goal” has been accomplished with making the sweet 16, although not the ultimate goal. We get to hang a banner from the BTT. But more than that we get to watch these boys go at it at least one more time and fight their hearts out to make it to the Elite 8. Winning this game truly takes a great season to an amazing one. ISU is really really tough, and playing better than anyone lately, but I feel our stars and momentum is on our side. I’ll be watching closely, cheering loudly, booing the refs, and nervously posting with you guys.
How lucky are we? How SWEET!
If that was me with the ball i would two hand heave it backwards over my head towards the basket and hope it goes in.
We love no other
LFG
LFG
Sweet Sixteen is not enough for this team. They are going to go out and win convincingly to send a message.
Just take care of the ball and defend with bite and it will happen.
Just take care of the ball and defend with bite and it will happen.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Win or lose tonight, I am extremely proud of this group for getting back to the Second Weekend where this program should be semi-regularly. It was a huge step forward. From 2001 to 2005, we went to the Sweet Sixteen 4 out of 5 years ... and then zero from 2006 to 2023. Simply having the Illini PLAY tonight is an honor in and of itself, even if I am getting greedy and want to keep the wins flowing.
Consider these top 10 all-time leading scorers in program history and their NCAA Tournament results in their years with the Illini ... it's a rare honor to be one of the last sixteen standing!
1. Deon Thomas - 2,129 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - Second Round - First Round)
2. Kiwane Garris - 1,948 (First Round - First Round - No NCAAT - Second Round)
3. Malcom Hill - 1,846 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT)
4. Dee Brown - 1,812 (Second Round - Sweet Sixteen - NC Game Appearance - Second Round)
5. Trent Frazier - 1,794 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - NCAAT Cancelled - Second Round - Second Round)
6. Brian Cook - 1,748 (Second Round - Elite Eight - Sweet Sixteen - Second Round)
7. Cory Bradford - 1,735 (No NCAAT - Second Round - Elite Eight - Sweet Sixteen)
8. Demetri McCamey - 1,718 (No NCAAT - First Round - No NCAAT - First Round)
9. Eddie Johnson - 1,692 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT - Sweet Sixteen)
10. Brandon Paul - 1,654 (No NCAAT - First Round - No NCAAT - Second Round)
6 of our 10 highest all-time scorers never got this opportunity. I hope these guys appreciate how cool and rare this is and come out with intensity!
Consider these top 10 all-time leading scorers in program history and their NCAA Tournament results in their years with the Illini ... it's a rare honor to be one of the last sixteen standing!
1. Deon Thomas - 2,129 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - Second Round - First Round)
2. Kiwane Garris - 1,948 (First Round - First Round - No NCAAT - Second Round)
3. Malcom Hill - 1,846 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT)
4. Dee Brown - 1,812 (Second Round - Sweet Sixteen - NC Game Appearance - Second Round)
5. Trent Frazier - 1,794 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - NCAAT Cancelled - Second Round - Second Round)
6. Brian Cook - 1,748 (Second Round - Elite Eight - Sweet Sixteen - Second Round)
7. Cory Bradford - 1,735 (No NCAAT - Second Round - Elite Eight - Sweet Sixteen)
8. Demetri McCamey - 1,718 (No NCAAT - First Round - No NCAAT - First Round)
9. Eddie Johnson - 1,692 (No NCAAT - No NCAAT - No NCAAT - Sweet Sixteen)
10. Brandon Paul - 1,654 (No NCAAT - First Round - No NCAAT - Second Round)
6 of our 10 highest all-time scorers never got this opportunity. I hope these guys appreciate how cool and rare this is and come out with intensity!
We played Louisville in the Final Four, Arizona was the Elite 8 game
That was the final 4 game
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
I've had an ever-growing knot in my stomach the last few hours as work winds down. I expect it to get worse throughout the evening. But after 19 knotless years, I appreciate it!
(A Macallan or two will also help.)
(A Macallan or two will also help.)
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
Doh! that’s what I meant lol. I was AT the elite eight game!
I don't know why but I do not have the same intense nervous feeling that I had before the games last Thursday and Saturday. I think it's the relief of finally breaking through to the Sweet 16. So all that is left is the excitement of potentially making the Elite 8. The dread of falling short once again is gone.
I'm sure once the ball is tipped I will be locked in with nervous excitement, but it's a much more pleasant feeling a few hours before the game compared to the first to rounds!
I'm sure once the ball is tipped I will be locked in with nervous excitement, but it's a much more pleasant feeling a few hours before the game compared to the first to rounds!
Almost made a critical error today! Almosy put on a road blue jersey for the game. Immediately realized my error and put on a script white Jersey. Sorry for nearly ruining this game!!
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