Anybody need a hotel room in Indy on April 3rd?
Several thoughts.
1. Loyola played an absolutely excellent game on offense and defense.
2. There was just not enough adjustment on either end to right the ship
3. Illinois shouldn't have played Loyola at least until the next round.
4. Having no S16 appearance (minimum) for this team is just so effing devastating
Thank you seniors and Ayo for an unbelievable season.
H/T to Ramblers. You earned it.
When was the last time Ayo had 9 points and 6 TO's in same game. Frazier was 1 for 10 and we had 17 TO's. Defense was horrible off the ball screens.What happened to Ayo and coach underwood today ?
Hard to change up defense when we haven’t done it all yrLoyoala literally ran the same simple offensive set every time down the court. Why didn't we even try a different defense? Seems like changing up something would be better than watching them do the exact same thing every time.
Either way, it was a great season. Ended in disappointment but a great season anyway.
I'm at the point where it feels like seeing the Sox win in '05 was the one sports miracle I'll be allowed in my lifetime.I really don't think I'll live to see a championship for my Illini. 1989; 2005. If a team this special can't do it...
I thought the exact same thing.Historically, Illinois has never been a morning basketball team as this isn't the first time we've lost morning or early games in the NCAAA tourney. Was my only worry after I saw the game time. At night, this is a different game.
Big hat tip to Loyola. They outplayed us and were better prepared. Wish them the best and for the rest of the tourney.
Sometimes a team is bound and determined to take away a certain threat on your team - the coaches need to react to that and adjust. The defense they were putting up did not suit Ayo being the PG. I actually would have been fine with Ayo sitting starting the 2nd half and tell the other guys to get it going. It was not his day - and I know the inclination is that it will turn, but sometimes a kick in the butt is called for.Loyola played well, but two things stand out. First, Ayo had a horrible game, and doesn't deserve a lot of his accolades. He is a really good but not player of the year. Secondly, poor reaction by coaches. I am too old for this, not many chances left for me.
Now that's on coaching. When we started pressing it looked like we hadn't pressed or worked on it all year. They broke it easily and we looked like we had no idea how to trap. You have to be prepared for everything and make adjustments if you want to win a championship.Hard to change up defense when we haven’t done it all yr
That's why you have coaches, to recognize when something isn't working and to make adjustments. The way we attempted to defend Loyola was the textbook definition of insanity.Hard to change up defense when we haven’t done it all yr
I believe we’ll be more talented next yr with talented wings coming in, and Kofi sticking aroundTo have 3 timeouts under 4 minutes when we couldn't get anything going is insane. Loyola outplayed us today. They got up 10 and never looked back.
Well be back next year. Maybe not as talented, but hopefully more experienced.
in 2037?Thank you Ayo for all you’ve done. Loved this team, we’ll be back.