Pregame: Illinois at Minnesota, Wednesday, January 3rd, 8:00pm CT, BTN

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#26      
breadman
BU has not missed the big dance in his years as a head coach. He is not going to start that this year. But this Minny game needs to be a win for that to happen.
 
#27      
foby
Agree that this game would be a huge step towards the NCAA tourney. But don't agree that it's do or die. Those do or die games will most likely come in the last few weeks and in the B1G tourney.
 
#28      
jrichisamazing
foby said:
Agree that this game would be a huge step towards the NCAA tourney. But don't agree that it's do or die. Those do or die games will most likely come in the last few weeks and in the B1G tourney.
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Agreed. As fans we like to put more importance on a game than there really is. There is plenty of basketball left and plenty of good teams left to beat. A loss isn't a killer, but obviously every loss makes the margin for error that much smaller down the road.
 
#29      
EllderIlliniFan
If Illinois really belongs in the tournament they need to beat somebody. To me that would mean beating either Minnesota or Michigan in the next two and winning at least 2 out of 3 with Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. If they can't rack up some wins they certainly won't get any consideration for the tournament and we are fooling ourselves in thinking they are deserving of an NCAA bid.
 
#30      
TCTORNADO
No need to panic until we get to 0-6 because that's when Underwood will start to make his adjustments.:)
 
#31      
foby
TCTORNADO said:
No need to panic until we get to 0-6 because that's when Underwood will start to make his adjustments.:)
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:eek: OUCH, I really would hate losing to Iowa at home.
 
#32      
JIllini
While this game isn't a true "must-win," if we don't beat either Minny or Michigan we're going to have a very uphill battle. We'd probably need to beat MSU.
 
#36      
yeahyeahyeah
with 4 out of 5 road games this month, we need to win at least one. I'm glad they didn't hammer Grand Canyon.
 
#37      
Elgin7680
Only winning one out of the next five, gets you to 1-6, no way that gets you to the Tournament. Win against Minny make you 1-2 and that is psychologically a lot better to make the climb and hopefully getting to at least 3-4 after the next five games. Then I think there a chance we can make a run for the tournament.
 
#38      
IlliniBrave75
Jon Rothstein@JonRothstein
RT @FanRagSports: Minnesota guard Nate Mason now a game-time decision for Wednesdays matchup against Illinois, reports @JonRothstein: http
 
#39      
Jon
I hope BU is considering playing down 3 vs 5. Any real tactician would know Minnesota is like -10 in +/- when up 2 players.
 
#40      
Illiini
IlliniBrave75 said:
Jon Rothstein@JonRothstein
RT @FanRagSports: Minnesota guard Nate Mason now a game-time decision for Wednesdays matchup against Illinois, reports @JonRothstein: http
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I don’t like to wish anything bad against against these kids, or any opponent for that matter. But is it bad to wish for his recovery taking one day longer?
 
#41      
GortTheRobot
Illiini said:
I don’t like to wish anything bad against against these kids, or any opponent for that matter. But is it bad to wish for his recovery taking one day longer?
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No it's not. He should take it easy...don't push it...he'll feel much better on Thursday.;)
 
#42      
Dan
Underwood: Excited to get Big Ten play started again. Definitely a difference in feeling when we played the first two. Very, very good Minnesota team to open with.

Underwood: Team that has a tremendous amount of experience. Imposing with their shot blocking. Murphy playing as well as anyone in college basketball.

Underwood: Murphy has a little Moses Malone in him in how he rebounds his misses. May put one up to rebound and get a better look. Saw him play in HS in San Antonio.

Underwood: Everyone looks forward to conference play and the meaning of those games. We lost two in OT.. Games we should have won.

Underwood: Will stay in Minneapolis all day Thursday after the game. Practice & go to a movie. Practice again on Friday in Minneapolis. Not in Michigan's arena at all until game time on Saturday.

Underwood: As you get into conference play, if you don't show up, you're going to lose. You don't deserve to win.

Underwood: Leron has found tremendous comfort with what we're doing and his opportunities. He made every right pass out of the double team on Saturday. I hope everybody in America double teams him. He makes guys better.

https://twitter.com/DPiper247
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[YOUTUBE]219F-jo0AcQ[/YOUTUBE]
 
#43      
Spoon House
I hope everybody in America double teams him.
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Underwood says something off-the-wall and unexpected like this in most pressers. It always makes me laugh.
 
#44      
Genesis
Even when Minny is a middle of the road team, it's tough to win there. More likely we win at Michigan but I still think we lose. With that said, though I think we'll start 0-4, I also believe we have a realistic possibility of getting to 10-8. If I'm betting, I'll go with 9-9.
 
#45      
JFGsCoffeeMug
I expect to split the next two. I will be pleasantly surprised if we win both and pretty disappointed if we drop both.
 
#46      
IlliniSox
Interesting that the team will stay in Minneapolis on Thursday/Friday.

Anyone have any idea where they're practicing? Would love to grab a picture with Coach Underwood!
 
#47      
illini80
JFGsCoffeeMug said:
This concerns me too. We can beat Minny at full strength. I'm less confident if we're missing someone like Leron. That would tank our chances.
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From those I know who have had it, it's a concern. Takes a week to recover with no energy. This team has to play with lots of energy to have a chance.
 
#48      
Peoria Illini
illini80 said:
From those I know who have had it, it's a concern. Takes a week to recover with no energy. This team has to play with lots of energy to have a chance.
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Yeah, it does kick the crap out of you. But I'm assuming the team will have a bit more access to medical care to help them recover, ie fluids, etc. The beauty of Major D1 sports... LOL
 
#50      
Illini Resurgence
JIllini said:
While this game isn't a true "must-win," if we don't beat either Minny or Michigan we're going to have a very uphill battle. We'd probably need to beat MSU.
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We already have a very uphill battle. If we go 10-6 to finish the regular season 10-8 in the BIG we might get into the tourney.

I want to win some games because that is going to show guys like Okoro and Liddell we are going the right direction.
 
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