Pregame: Illinois vs Arkansas, Thursday, March 16th, 3:30pm CT, TBS

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#103      

MAUI DERON

MAUI DERON
MAUI DERON
Arkansas is a great draw for this team. Saw Arkansas play in Maui and they were unimpressive then. Much like the beloved in the fact that they have talent but don’t seem to be able to put it together. Plus they can be rattled easily and go into hero ball nba mode. Without Brazile, Illinois can win this game. Kansas I feel is another good draw for Illinois. Kansas is weak in the paint as Texas exposed again yesterday so the fact we can’t shoot 3’s gives Illinois a chance and they don’t have a point guard that can play bully ball to beat us.
 
#104      

Navy_illini

N
Navy_illini
This is a winnable game. Need to play discipline and with energy. Have to take 3s in the flow of the offense
 
#106      

InDaAZ

InDaAZ
Eugene, Oregon
InDaAZ
FWIW, I read somewhere we are 5-0 all-time vs the Swine of the South, the last meeting being 18 years ago.
rider hog GIF
rider hog GIF

Excited Lets Go GIF
 
#109      

I lost Kofi's blue binder

I lost Kofi's blue binder
I lost Kofi's blue binder
GoodePodzMelendez said:
If we can come out with energy, we can win both games and get to the Sweet 16. I would like Brad to start Ty as the point guard. Need to shake the team up.
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I understand the thought process here, but have to think it'll be Epps slotting back in with a weeks' worth of practice to get back into the swing of things. They really need a third reliable scorer out there.
 
#113      

sacraig

sacraig
The desert
sacraig
Flyin' Illini said:
I honestly don't know much about Arkansas. Why are people saying this is a bad matchup?
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I see Arkansas as being a bit like us: loaded beyond their record indicates. So whatever, both teams are dangerous but underperformed. I don't hate the draw and, if anything, I'd be annoyed as a Kansas fan because no matter what their second round game is against a high-potential team.
 
#114      

CV Illini

C
CV Illini
Glad to see the Illini in Des Moines. Had tickets from a business associate prior to the draw so it worked out great for me. Not a big fan of having to play Arkansas and possibly Kansas but I'm just going to take in the experience and hopefully enjoy a win.........or two. ILL
 
#115      

Zorak

Zorak
Naperville
Zorak
CleverHandle1 said:
Arkansas will have a 12-point lead at the half. In the end, Illinois will play "hard," and lose by four points, thus, giving their fanbase another moral victory and that this will be considered "momentum" going into next year. The script has been revealed!
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This team leads the Big Ten in moral victories.
 
#116      

CleverHandle1

C
CleverHandle1
LvilleILL said:
For everyone who is saying this is a bad draw, they are wrong. Arkansas cannot shoot the three well like us which plays into our hands. 50/50 game imo. Kansas is the most beatable one seed that we could have played of the three
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I don't think this is going to happen, but I love your positivity! Let's do this!!!
 
#119      

Illini8420

I
Illini8420
Our low point was the start of 2023 but I do think we improved after Skyy left. He was such a huge liability in heavy minutes and the advanced stats backed that up. None of our recent losses are actually bad losses. Even OSU had been playing like a ranked team lately.

If Brad finally commits to using our defensive pressure lineups with Harris-Rodgers-Hawkins I think we’ll win. Cause havoc and force turnovers and we’ll get fast break scoring chances and edge them out. We’re capable. We can do it to Kansas too.
 
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