Pregame: Illinois vs Michigan State, Tuesday, January 25th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN
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Sure hope Kofi can play or this is 90% loss #3 in a row.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Agreed, but it’s crazy how much worse we looked than we did without Kofi vs. Purdue … how can intensity fluctuate that much on the defensive end?!
Would love a bounce back game on Tuesday … we need it.
If our team is healthy I like our chances.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
Yeah, I think it's pretty safe to say we won't know anything one way or the other till the shootaround before the game. I'd really like for there to be some time this season where we know we have our full roster going into a game. That'd be nice.
If no Kofi we have to get more points in the paint. More dribble penetration from the guards and less 3s. BVV has been really impressive on defense but he needs some confidence and assert himself when posting up. More than once in the last two games hes had the ball in great position only to hurriedly kick it back out. We need a bit more scoring from him and Payne to replace Kofis 21 per game.
On BV...good points; I think he had a couple nice buckets early at Maryland...he has much potential, just needs to gain touch/confidence
This situation is making me appreciate GB a lot more. It was such a luxury to have a big who could put up some points coming off the bench
I think we might have had only 1 or 2 losses if he had stayed around for another year. Our losses basically correlate to no Kofi or Kofi in foul trouble.
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
He went from playing ~ 5 mins per game on avg for season (less than that in BT play) to 20 and 24 mins in the games this week. That's a big step-change and I was pleased last night for the most part with how he handled it. He wore down late against Scott but I see a great deal of potential in him.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
Well standings are tied up at the top 3 ways now. It’s up to the boys if we are gonna seize total control or just let it slip. Something something… lose yourself- Eminem
MSU is alone at top. They only have 1 loss. We can take back control by beating them of course.
I don't like Izzo or his tactics. But I do think he will have his team ready for this game. I'm not sure Underwood will...Kofi, or not. Izzo will adjust to the game as it develops. I don't think Underwood has that ability. He certainly didn't adapt in the Maryland game. I truly believe our players are as good as those on MSU, but the X factor will be the in-game coaching. Therefore 81-73 for the bad guys. Worse, if Kofi doesn't play. Of course, I hope I'm proven VERY wrong, but this is the sense I have for the upcoming game.
danielb927
Orange Krush Class of 2013
- Rochester, MN
Win this and we're back in sole possession of 1st place in the Big Ten (for at least a couple of hours -- Wisconsin's will likely beat Nebraska to tie it up again).
This now becomes the most important game of the season, to date. I believe the course of the remainder of the season may very well hang in the balance. By that, I mean it will set the tone of what the team can reasonably expect to accomplish within this season. We have to show an ability to win these sort of games, at home, if we're to remain in the discussion for a B1G championship.
It starts with coaching. I have to believe that the staff have a decent idea of whether Kofi will be able to play or not. If not, then they must certainly plan for that eventuality. A different approach than last night's game is mandatory, if the big guy isn't ready to go. Relying on the 3 ball as much as we did is not an option. As important as this game is, BU should be willing to pull out all stops. Maybe that means being willing to work in the freshmen more than he has. It definitely means they have to be intentional in finding ways to work the ball inside more and trying to draw some fouls. And the defensive intensity has somehow got to be picked up.
Perhaps the Maryland game will provide a spark. The best teams are able to take a smack in the mouth and let it motivate them to elevate their game. I think that's what we saw MSU do last night coming off a home loss to NW. The guys must come out with a fire and intensity like the season is on the line, because it is. Here's hoping Kofi somehow makes it onto the court. Go Illini!
It starts with coaching. I have to believe that the staff have a decent idea of whether Kofi will be able to play or not. If not, then they must certainly plan for that eventuality. A different approach than last night's game is mandatory, if the big guy isn't ready to go. Relying on the 3 ball as much as we did is not an option. As important as this game is, BU should be willing to pull out all stops. Maybe that means being willing to work in the freshmen more than he has. It definitely means they have to be intentional in finding ways to work the ball inside more and trying to draw some fouls. And the defensive intensity has somehow got to be picked up.
Perhaps the Maryland game will provide a spark. The best teams are able to take a smack in the mouth and let it motivate them to elevate their game. I think that's what we saw MSU do last night coming off a home loss to NW. The guys must come out with a fire and intensity like the season is on the line, because it is. Here's hoping Kofi somehow makes it onto the court. Go Illini!
Fair enough
I probably am being a bit overdramatic, but I guess I just feel like it's time to show we can beat a team of this caliber, if we really can (which I believe is true). A win like this would get things right back on track.
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