Indiana 71, Illinois 68 Postgame
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That sucked, I was yelling at the refs as much as anyone - but if I'm not mistaken that was on the offensive end.
The ones we couldn't get the loose ball on defense and it always seemed to end up in an Indiana 3 were such momentum changers....not to mention obviously you take away just one of those 3s in a one-possession game and it's an Illini W.
I actually was impressed how many times Indiana got the crowd in the game and it looked like they would start to take control that we came up with a play in a hostile road game to regain a lead or push our lead back out a little. That's extremely tough to do and we did it several times. If we play like that in these next five Big Ten games I think we'll all be happy with the results.
And I thought the Hawkins steal and breakaway dunk with about 1:20 to go was going to be another game-deciding play for us. Frustrating loss for sure.
Don’t we expect to get at least 2 seasoned replacements?
The good news is that we have a quick turnaround. No time to stew on this one. Beat Minny and the stars will align again.
Align for what?
Once again the Illini showed that they lack one critical player-piece to be a truly Elite team. The ‘Shot Creator’.
The Illini have plenty of guys willing to shoot the long ball. They have a guy or two who can operate from down low.
But who is the guy who’s going to hold the ball when the clock is running down and the defense is crawling all over you who can fight through the pressure and get a game-winning or game-typing shot off? Or get that key hoop when the other team is surging and on a roll to steal game momentum toward the end?
Epps might develop into that kind of player but he’s not there yet. Shannon has been the top source for points but he hasn’t shown that game-ending kind of execution.
The Illini are going right now as far as their current talent level can take them. We’ve already had a good sample size with this Season. But a game like today puts a big spotlight on their player-piece they have been missing.
When you name other Big Ten teams you can quickly identify who ‘That Guy’ is for them. But for Our Beloved.
Job One for the offseason is to bring that kind of player to Champaign. Everybody wants them. Not easy to get. But the teams that get them are the teams that built for real success.
TJD with a few more turnovers than last time and a few more missed shots. Still had a great game. 3s out of broken possessions really hurt, especially since we couldn't hit anything the second half.
Everyone feels better after a win. After a loss, there's a feeling of doom and after a win, comments of a winning streak arise. Nature of the beast.
Zorak
- Naperville
If beating the worst team in the conference at home is enough make you to feel better, I envy you
Beating Minnesota is not going to make anyone feel better. This team is heading straight towards 1 and done in the Big Ten Tourney and a double digit seed for the big dance.
At an Illinois Alumni party watching the game, Illinois had a time out with 27 seconds down two. I asked a number of our fans, do you go for the early 2 (which gives Indiana the chance to win the game knowing that if you get two we are only tied and Indiana has the last possession? (Epps was fouled and we only got one). Or do you play for three with a last shot take by either Goode or Mayer? The consensus was that Illinois take the three-pointer with time expiring to win the game. "Daddy Brad" decided to go for 2 early so he was wrong!!!!! We will never know if we were right!!!!!
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Good effort, tough loss. Decent spot minutes from Lieb. Goode looks like he’s returning to form. 78% free throws. Frosh experience will pay dividends. Stat line pretty evenly divided- IL better in blocks and steals; fewer turnovers. Did not wilt on the road shorthanded. Still sucks to not pull this one off. On to the next.
Your just going to give up on this team?
ginabackes00
CrazedUIFan
We saw some freshmen mistakes the last five minutes that cost us. I’m disappointed in the loss because we had ourselves in great position to win. it‘s nice to see Goode out there.
What?! How else am I supposed to make myself feel better if I don’t berate people who play a game?
blackdog
- Champaign
We lack a player that can make a game winning play. 4/5 guys on the floor had their chance, Dainja misses 2 of 3 free throws, Mayer misses 1 of 3 free throws, RJ misses a wide-open 3, and Epps misses 1 of 2 free throws. Somebody has to make a winning play.
Yes and probably more, the problem is you can't download experience in the system into transfers, or familiarity with your team.
I think that is part of why parity seems to be at an all time high this year. I don't think there is a single team you just say wow, they're going to be tough to beat. You get these talented guys to transfer, but when you're thinking about what you're supposed to do, you won't be at your best. When you're not able to read your teammates and know what they're going to do, you won't be at your best.
So if you have an experienced team, you can fit a transfer in, especially if they bring a skillset you're lacking. But, I think if you're expecting new guys to lead your team, it is going to cause issues. We clearly saw massive chemistry issues at one point in our season. We've seen guys not be on the same page and not running the offense. In close games, it only takes a play or 2 lost to go from a W to an L.
If we get more transfers next year, which we surely will. I hope they are not all Srs so they can grow in the program.
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