Michigan State 70, Illinois 69 POSTGAME

#76      
the refs made a few calls to keep Illinois from breaking it open

They also could have called many others that would have given MSU bigger leads at different times...reality check, the ILLINI busted their asses in the 2nd half to make up for not showing up in the 1st half with the right mindset. ILLINI at fault at home, not the refs, that said, overall I don't think it was officiated very well at all on either side truthfully.
 
#79      
I choose to believe it is a simple strained calf. Not because I know anything, but because all the alternatives are just too horrible.
 
#82      
Was at game. Illinois fell way flat in first half, officials blew multiple calls in second half. Tragic ending. Let’s hope Ayo is okay. Still, even with loss, I don’t know the last time I’ve seen this much passion at Assembly Hall

Also, just to add. I’m from San Diego and go to colleg in Ohio. This was my first Illinois game ever. Can honestly say this program has more grit, heart, and love for each other than I could have thought watching them for the past 10+ years on TV. Probably the most heartbreaking game I can remember in a long time, but Illinois is back and isn’t going anywhere for a while.
 
#85      
Just sad... good fight but you can't play that bad and get down by 20 at home. Hope ayo is ok but feel like I've had the wind knock out my sails for this team... if ayo is out next man up hoping to see Jones step up and live up to his potential... go illlini
 
#87      
I wasnt upset at AG attackingbthe shot block. His aggressiveness is what makes him good.

My biggest issue other than the refs 2 missed calls were the jumpers by AG and TF in the labe going one one one. I was afraid when we had the lead and could have gone up by 3 or more and they took those 2 poor shots. Other than that we played so good diwn the stretch for refs to blow those calls after clawing back.
 
#92      

Bverdec

West Palm Beach, FL
They
did we get a post game presser from Brad yet? Any word on Ayo?
They don't know anything and they won't comment until they do. The fact that's he's still meeting with the team doctors and family is not a good sign.
 
#93      
What has happened to GB? No telling.
Yea, you just can't play him. I was there and he just looks lost on the floor. And now he starts launching 3's? Can't play defense worth a lick either. Chirping at the refs...can't have that nonsense and Brad put his butt on the bench where it belonged.
 
#94      
Was at game. Illinois fell way flat in first half, officials blew multiple calls in second half. Tragic ending. Let’s hope Ayo is okay. Still, even with loss, I don’t know the last time I’ve seen this much passion at Assembly Hall
I have been to many games over the years and tonight was rocking with the best of them. I was 7th row when Eddie Johnson made the jumper to give Magic and MSU their last loss in 1979...tonight felt like that, at least for the final 20. I won't have a voice tomorrow. Sad for Ayo. What a tough dude.
 
#95      

Tacomallini

Washington State
Izzo's presser has a pretty funny exchange w/ Loren Tate at the 4:50 minute mark. Nice to have a laugh on a rough night
 
#99      
We took a lot of really bad shots tonight. Even in our run, we had two in a row that killed us. We can’t waste possessions.
 
#100      

the national

the Front Range
For as terrible as the first half was, the second half was anything but. We are a tough team at times. Since Iowa, we have looked less confident, until the midway point of the second half. I have no idea why we have been playing so timid but these guys have all the tools in front of them. The wings and PG spots have to be more productive. The second half shows what it can look like.

I think Kofi is getting majorly challenged in these games. He's been paired up with some excellent competition. He's been frustrated but I think it's helping to hone in on his craft and small ball skills. Passing and drawing in the defense, little by little, are improving. The mistakes can be tough to watch as fans but he is going to greatly benefit from the experience. I really like Kofi.

It's a damn shame what happened with Ayo.