FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
BTN just showed our game at regular time during the Wednesday evening broadcast. Guess there is no change
Pregame: #9 Illinois vs #8 Michigan, Thursday, March 9th, 11:00am CT, BTN
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BTN just showed our game at regular time during the Wednesday evening broadcast. Guess there is no change
eMitch
- Quincy, IL
If that's all it takes, Groce should have his players read this board for a few minutes. Plethora of bulletin board material here.
Does anyone know the best place to watch the game in Old Town?
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
This might juse be the Rutgers salt talking, but I'm not sure we win this game. I think we might be a bit disheartened and we don't often show up well for noon games.
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
That is literally Austin Hatch's 3rd plane crash he has been in now. That kid has had such a rough life. I don't know how he gets back into planes, especially after this. I assume he is still an assistant for the team after quitting last season?
I think we come out fighting to start. We could get disheartened early if they are hitting shots and/or there are bad calls but I think we'll bring the initial intensity to win. If we can keep that for 40 minutes, I really like our chances. I don't think that last game shows what we are, plus Rutgers aren't a horrible team. They've been beaten down all year with close games. They were bound to catch somebody. It just happened to be us. The first 5-10 minutes of tomorrow's game will be really telling.
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Dan
Admin
Illini1221
Peru,IL
Destiny
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
Well that is good. I would imagine that incident would be a very intense trigger for him. I am glad nobody was hurt and that he didn't have to deal with that.
Cheez
- Sun Prairie WI
I can't shake the feeling that the game is going to be a major letdown. Illinois shows up woefully unprepared against a team who has every right to play down a couple of notches, but doesnt. Whitman may have no choice but to fire Groce if the Illini lose.
My prediction:
Michigan 78
Illinois 62
My prediction:
Michigan 78
Illinois 62
chrisRunner7
- Spokane, WA
I think that is spot on... several years of Battered Fan Syndrome have left me with no confidence in this team, especially with Groce's 2-9 record versus Beilein.
Michigan will rain three pointers on us and abuse Morgan/Black in pick-and-roll situations. Abrams and Black will combine to shoot 1 for 10 on three point attempts, several of which will occur with less than 5 seconds on the shot clock. Finke will be burned on at least one backdoor cut to the basket. JCL will shoot a decent 2 for 5 on 3's but won't get many open looks at the basket. Refs will treat Tejon like a freshman and keep him in foul trouble the majority of the game with ticky-tack calls. The rims seem tight and Morgan will go ice cold on mid-range jumpers. Malcolm will have a respectable game but it won't be enough to carry the team.
Hope I'm wrong, but expecting the worst.
Wow, it is almost like you have seen this team play. Nice/sad analysis. :thumb:
I think that is spot on... several years of Battered Fan Syndrome have left me with no confidence in this team, especially with Groce's 2-9 record versus Beilein.
Michigan will rain three pointers on us and abuse Morgan/Black in pick-and-roll situations. Abrams and Black will combine to shoot 1 for 10 on three point attempts, several of which will occur with less than 5 seconds on the shot clock. Finke will be burned on at least one backdoor cut to the basket. JCL will shoot a decent 2 for 5 on 3's but won't get many open looks at the basket. Refs will treat Tejon like a freshman and keep him in foul trouble the majority of the game with ticky-tack calls. The rims seem tight and Morgan will go ice cold on mid-range jumpers. Malcolm will have a respectable game but it won't be enough to carry the team.
Hope I'm wrong, but expecting the worst.
If I were betting on the game this is what I'd bet on. The only addition I'd make is that we play an 9 assist game with no ball movement and nothing but 1 on 1 over-dribbling isolation plays against much better athletes.
With a chance to tie or win we dribble down to 10s left, and hand the ball to Malcom again despite him never really pulling through on game winning shots the past 4 years . Malcom tries several futile attempts at a drives only to take a desperation fadeaway 19 footer against 2 defenders that clanks us into the NIT.
Man, I hope you're wrong but sadly this has become the Illinois way in the Groce era.
IlliniRunIn07
- Tampa, FL
If they were really a blue collar team, they would've taken a bus from the beginning. Glad everyone is OK. Also glad I wasn't on the plane. Sounds like a scary experience.
I think it will be a close game. Illini defense and intensity has picked up. They need to hit shots.
Predicting this team is a fool's errand. They seem to fight when you think it's over, and they come out dazed and confused when you think they have everything to play for. One of the most inconsistent teams I can remember.
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