Pregame: Illinois at Wisconsin, Saturday, January 28th, 2:00pm CT, FOX

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#27      
I'm kind of hoping Wisconsin wins tonight. Another loss would put their record at 1-5 in the last 6 games. Obviously it's still early., but they are clearly on the oustide of the bubble right now. Another loss would have them feeling very desperate to win at home against us. If they win maybe they come in with some confidence that we can immediately shatter.

Anyone else feel the same? Not sure if the stats back this up, but I feel like in a conference full of good coaches that have complete buy in from their players, those desperate teams respond with big time performances.
I mean, if they're not feeling desperate by now, I'm not sure another L is gonna do it. I get what you're saying but I think for our purposes, a Maryland win helps more. I'm sure one of our NET/Kenpom gurus can provide a more definitive answer.
 
#28      
I mean, if they're not feeling desperate by now, I'm not sure another L is gonna do it. I get what you're saying but I think for our purposes, a Maryland win helps more. I'm sure one of our NET/Kenpom gurus can provide a more definitive answer.

We were pretty desperate at NW. It seems like "turnarounds" happen at home most of the time.

As for the NET, it really doesn't matter since both teams are on the schedule. If you really want to split hairs, you would root for Wisconsin to win because we play them twice while we play Maryland only once.
 
#29      
This will be a challenge. Wisconsin has reeled as of late, but a couple of their losses were less Wahl (including vs us). Outside of the Illini and IU road games, their four other losses were by 4 or less points. Not to mention, Wisconsin is always a tough out at home.

Compared to the first game where we were solid favorites, I expect the spread for this game to be much tighter (maybe Illini -1.5).

I am glad we will be relatively rested compared to Wisconsin. That may be the difference in a tightly contested game down the stretch. If the Illini bring the same intensity as last night, I expect a victory (the magnitude will depend on how well the team hits their free throws).
Wahl hasn't been playing as well as he did at the end of last year. Let's hope he doesn't find his stride against us.
 
#31      

danielb927

Orange Krush Class of 2013
Rochester, MN
I mean, if they're not feeling desperate by now, I'm not sure another L is gonna do it. I get what you're saying but I think for our purposes, a Maryland win helps more. I'm sure one of our NET/Kenpom gurus can provide a more definitive answer.

Wisconsin is currently the last 9 seed in the Bracket Matrix, FWIW. Something like 8-10 spots ahead of the last team in. Their team sheet isn't gaudy but it's actually pretty similar to ours, without the two standout wins. Maryland's too, for that matter. If either team is "desperate" it's not because they're on the outside now; it's because 75% of B1G games this season involve two bubble-ish teams trying to stay afloat.
 
#41      
Working his way back into practice
Thanks for the update. An extra option would be nice during this stretch. Especially one that could help us shoot higher than 18% from three. Although, it's actually kind of nice to see us play well and shoot a low percentage from deep. For the most part, they were good shots, just didn't fall last night.
 
#43      
Do we let Wisky slow the tempo down, as they usually try to do....or do we try and speed them up and play a faster paced game???.....Not sure which would benefit the Illini more....
The Illini play best in the open court. The more possessions, the more opportunities we have to separate. Wisconsin likes to play slow, hoping the other team gets tight, while they rely on execution down the stretch. Honestly, it's a great formula to beat us. We've got better athletes. We should be racing them to the rim every chance we get.
We don't want to get into an offensive execution match with anyone right now. It's getting better, but there is still a lot to clean up.
 
#44      
At the same time, we can't afford to play out of control, Wisconsin is an excellent defensive team, and if our guys are pushing when it's not there to push, they'll turn it over and it'll be a bucket the other way. Our defense should be very comfortable in the half court against Wisconsin's offense, so no need to make it easy for them.
 
#45      
Dain has been pretty good at staying out of foul trouble, but lately he has been having to sit early, and we need him on the floor.
He needs to clean up a few of his bad defensive habits.
Don't know how he doesn't get called for a moving screen every time he sets one.
 
#47      
You always have to remember that Dain is a freshman. Watching the Wisc game. Both Md And Wisc are hitting shots. Like I said Hope they play a triple overtime .
 
#48      

Big Jack

Decatur
Dain has been pretty good at staying out of foul trouble, but lately he has been having to sit early, and we need him on the floor.
He needs to clean up a few of his bad defensive habits.
Don't know how he doesn't get called for a moving screen every time he sets one.
Key physically abused Daiin during the first half. My viewing angle wasn't good for the second half but Key was shoving that forearm into him.so hard it bent him.over more than once yet there was no fouls called. But yet on the video replay of one foul on Dain he simply grabbed Keys side. I would love to see video of just the play between those two for the entire game because the foul calls seemed one sided. Key was also setting pretty hard hip check screens that should have been called but weren't.

Dain is truly just a freshman with time these calls will hopefully go his way..
 
#50      
Man you guys think Luke gets cleared and he’s just going to be thrown back out there? He’s done no condition or strength stuff lower body wise(at least on the hurt side) until he was cleared. You can’t just throw kid out there who isn’t in shape.
 
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