The talent level is with exception of only one PG and none with strength, decent size, and experience and teams with those guys have killed us. I am a fan of Epps and his talent but he will mature like those before him beyond this year. Harris is a combo guard to fill in.
Ohio State 72, Illinois 60 Postgame
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OnlyOrange
- Belleville, IL
They weren't that good - we just decided to huck 3s and continue to miss. Replace a few of those with 2s (which we hit at a much higher clip), and we win.
Though it pains one to say it... all the credit goes to the ‘State’ group.
They won this game TWICE. First they came out ready to play and put the Illini in a big hole. Then, after the Illini got just about level in the second half... the Ohio guys went out and won the ball game a second time after the Illini faded and State seized the game.
State was shaky at the point when the Illini got within one. They were missing shots and their confidence was challenged. The Illini were rolling. That’s the moment to fully put the hammer down and take control of the game. But the Illini eased off the gas and State got stoked and never looked back.
This is just another puzzling chapter in one of the most puzzling seasons the Illini have had. There was SO MUCH on the line today that as a player you can’t ask for a better setup to hit the floor when everything means everything. You want a scenario like this to play under.
And once again... the lack of an ‘Ayo-Alpha’ to tame his team and exert his will on the game on the floor bared itself in all it’s ugly glory. No one on the Illini currently has the personality to be that kind of player.
The good news is that this team still has a chance to locate something within themselves to be better before the significant games coming up. This program... and Illini Nation... should NOT once again have to endure a premature exit from the Big Dance.
Side Note: The CBS announcers today were the best I’ve heard on a telecast in a long time. It’s a shame the Illini did not have a good game for these guys to describe.
OSU played very well, got to the rim, and shot 60+% from close range. ILL did not. OSU had to be thrilled ILL kept shooting and missing 3's. Empty possessions just allowed OSU to keep shooting in the paint and widening their lead which made ILL try to catch up by shooting 3's. ILL is literally addicted to the 3. It is so much easier to shoot then getting to the rim and really gives the shooter a rush---if he makes it, but really gives the other team a rush when he doesn't. Defenses aren't forced to work as hard defending the 3 and rebounds are usually long and more available to the defense. Shooting and missing 3's is a gift to your opponent.
This team is what they are---they live by the 3 and die by the 3. Consistently good teams don't do that. They lose games when their opponent plays better, but they don't lose games by throwing up 3 after 3.
This team is what they are---they live by the 3 and die by the 3. Consistently good teams don't do that. They lose games when their opponent plays better, but they don't lose games by throwing up 3 after 3.
On a really good team, I think Epps would be an offensive spark off the bench. There is a lot being asked of him to run and defend the point, neither of which are his strengths. Maybe having another true point guard on the roster will allow Epps to develop into a good starting #2 guard, but size is always going to be a problem.
Haha my bad, I meant Mayer.
Two freshmen are our best defenders. There you have it!
The Sprouting Divot
Invisible and Bulletproof
- Miracle Mile
If our past history is any predictor, you can at least look forward to the 2037 team matching the excitement of the 2021, 2005, and 1989 teams.
I don't understand what is so amazing about a 3 pointer? Especially when we aren't very good shooting team to put it gently. Heck we aren't even good ft shooters.
OnlyOrange
- Belleville, IL
Hummel has been saying this the entire year. Our overreliance on the 3, when we are just not good at it, is baffling.
It's just so sexy....that whole 1 point more for 40% less. They need a class on supply and demand
NASchamp
- Atlanta
Not sure how we snap ourselves out of these funks when we get into them. We came out flat and never could get back in the game. We looked tired and that was understandable. But, I just hope the comeback against Northwestern didn’t teach us we only have to play hard for one half of basketball each game.
This was such a winnable game, it hurts to lose. Especially by 12 points. We were careless and gave the ball away too much. And we allowed wayyy too many layups and easy points. You can tell we’re disjointed and players are lacking confidence. I’m now pretty worried this is how our first Big Ten Tournament and first NCAA tournament game are going to look…and that will be so disappointing for this group of talent.
This was such a winnable game, it hurts to lose. Especially by 12 points. We were careless and gave the ball away too much. And we allowed wayyy too many layups and easy points. You can tell we’re disjointed and players are lacking confidence. I’m now pretty worried this is how our first Big Ten Tournament and first NCAA tournament game are going to look…and that will be so disappointing for this group of talent.
Jay Wright gushed on TSJ when he passed up a wide open jumper from the free throw line extended to get Mayer an open three. Mayer made the shot, so it worked out well in that case, but to me it was emblematic of the team's offensive struggles. Why is the team's best scorer passing on a high percentage shot to get a lower percentage 3 point attempt?
OnlyOrange
- Belleville, IL
The answer IMO is clear - drive more. We did that, and got to within 1. Then next possession, Mayer (I believe) threw up a wild contested 3 and that was that.
We won't score every time down low, but it's far more likely to draw a foul, get to the line, or get the ball in the basket. Basic science.
sacraig
- The desert
The block I should be over Fred's head, IMO.
sacraig
- The desert
If your faith is shaken in an entire program, the winningest in the Big Ten over the last several years, by one wacky season, then I don't really know what to tell you.
Good point. I believe the answer lies in the NW game. He sat in that one and we made our comeback. Did not work today, and I think that shows that the staff is searching for answers as much as we fans are. What that says, I'm not certain.
I do not think that was the game plan. Unfortunately with no true point guard on this team, sets tend to break down and it turns into iso ball. No movement, few if any extra passes, alot of bad shots. Lack of a leader on he floor hurts.
The inconsistency for this team stems from Underwood. From day one coming to the Illini he has had to change his offense and defense, sometimes during the year and sometimes he waits at the end of the year. This year just like several other teams dating back to OkSt. he has needed to completely change everything mid season. But there is no clear NBA player to save his a$$ on this team. Being a great coach in the Big 10 or any conference really is knowing who your are offensively and defensively as a coach and do the best you can to recruit to YOUR philosophies. The reason he HAD to completely change up this year is because he was getting worked by the other coaches. He was not able to successfully counter the counters. We have been told by other coaches and announcers many times this year that this squad is the most talented team in the big ten and if they could only figure it out they could really be good. I say if the coaching staff can ever figure it out then we might be good!!!
One frustrating year and let's forget all the good our staff has accomplished.
Listen to his comments. He’s calling out our poor 3 pt shooting but also says he’s not one to tell him to stop shooting at that volume. He’s failed to take advantage of the our strengths by not addressing the issue. This late in the season? This should’ve been handled before big 10 play started.
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