PizzaHutParkingLot
- McPherson, KS
Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa State, Thursday, March 28th, 9:09pm CT, TBS
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My guess (based on many stays in Boston, not anything particular about what the NCAA has reserved for this region) would be that they'd be staying in the Prudential Center/Back Bay area. If you have any kind of points program with any hotel chain, they'll have a building there. If you don't, I stay at The Colonnade a lot, which is in that area. They're about three miles from TD Garden. There are closer places, including a CitizenM right (cool if you don't mind a small room) next to TD Garden. There's also the Marriott Longwharf on the Harbor, which is about a mile walk from TD Garden. It's next to Faneuil Hall and the Aquarium, so there's also stuff to do there.
However, I do think the Pru Center area is most likely, in part because the Pru Center itself is a large mall with lots of restaurants where teams could walk to. There's also an observation deck at the top, which seems like a possible between-day activity.
Also, TD Garden is close enough to the North End that you can have a great Italian meal and walk to the arena.
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This. Iowa State totally dismantled Houston in Big 12 finale. We don’t have a single win close to that. People have pointed out they missed first 9 shots against WSU. They made first 8 or 9 shots in the opening game and jumped to a 20-4 lead. An Illinois win would be their best win of the year by a wide margin.
I’m hoping like crazy that Illinois has a good answer to their trapping defense and can get out and run. Half court sets will be tough. A monster game from Dain might be our best opportunity. Go Illini!!
I hope the illini staff and team are expecting Duquesne's defense. I'm just Watching your game from last night. I don't have any idea how this will turn out but I can promise you domask's back down game he is so good at will not work against us.
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ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Iowa State is 23-0 within 230 miles of its campus, but 6-7 when further away.
Illinois is 16-5 within 230 miles of its campus, but 12-3 when further away.
Illinois is 16-5 within 230 miles of its campus, but 12-3 when further away.
Cyclone history this season: https://cyclones.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2023-24
ginabackes00
CrazedUIFan
Domask booty ball may not work as far as him scoring, but it does draw double teams. If he can read the defense and hit the open guy or we have good ball rotation after the initial pass, I think it puts a lot of pressure on the defense.
Kramerica Industries
- Greenville, SC
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
Good comment.
And if plan A does not work, I hope we're able to adjust immediately in-game rather than waiting until halftime, or not at all (unlike a certain 2nd round game in 2021).
ISU doubles, pass, pass 3 or drive resulting in points.... Or they let domask eat. Just have to make a good pass out.
I don't think ISU has a big rim protector so that would be my concern about a defense oriented team. It's why Edey hurts us so much... We can't get easy buckets at the rim a guy can block shots
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
Man, I hope the team doesn’t stay at Pru’s place! Not only is it a long commute from Kentucky, but we don’t want our guys bleary-eyed and exhausted when they step onto the court…
Now, after we win the
that might be the best spot to go
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Illini4Chief
- TENNESSEE
I was surprised how quickly Washington State got out of the gate....it was tied at a paltry 27 to 27 at halftime. What's the Vegas Line...are the Illini underdogs..it's #2 Iowa State vs #3 Ilinois? Hmmmm
If they drop into a zone defense and block the paint, the Illini making 3 pointers decides the game. No matter how it turns out it’s been a great ride.
Iowa State is a load. Dusquesne's defensive effeciency was against inferior opponents. I. State, not so. I too watched them play against Houston. If they get hot, it could be a long day. They split with the Bears this year, my nephews team. He is in Memphis right now. He told me that they are scary good but tend to play down to their opponents level at times. This will be a grind out game. If we play our best basketball both offensively and defensively, I like our chances. They beat the Bears by 14 and lost to the bears by only 2 in Waco. Iowa State is a tough, battle tested team. To me, they are the best team outside of Purdue and maybe Tennessee that we have played all year. If we play our best, we have a shot.
I don't think this is a great matchup for us. But I don't think we're a great matchup for ISU either.
I would expect something similar to the Tennessee game. If we keep playing like we have been and as long as neither Batman nor Robin have off nights, we can win. Either way, it's going to be a grind.
TSJ is having a very Kemba Walkery March and there's no reason he can't finish what he's started. KenPom numbers, seeds, and matchups be damned.
I would expect something similar to the Tennessee game. If we keep playing like we have been and as long as neither Batman nor Robin have off nights, we can win. Either way, it's going to be a grind.
TSJ is having a very Kemba Walkery March and there's no reason he can't finish what he's started. KenPom numbers, seeds, and matchups be damned.
They may not double him. It depends who that assignment goes to. They are very sound defensively.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
That Kemba UConn team was like us #10 in KenPom, a 3 seed, and defeated a #2 seed that had the #2 defensive efficiency in the country per KenPom
Had a great trip to Omaha yesterday...we are firing on all cylinders...and it was my first tourney experience and was great!
On saturday, I got a chance to talk to a local usher late in game. Notably, he said he really liked Illini fans,...much better than Iowa State. He went on and on about a great conversation with "Illinois #33's mom" on Thursday evening. He said she was a joy to talk with.
I wish many more joyous games for CH's mom and all other player moms!!!
I agree we have the makings of a special run!
On saturday, I got a chance to talk to a local usher late in game. Notably, he said he really liked Illini fans,...much better than Iowa State. He went on and on about a great conversation with "Illinois #33's mom" on Thursday evening. He said she was a joy to talk with.
I wish many more joyous games for CH's mom and all other player moms!!!
I agree we have the makings of a special run!
Speaking of this. What’s the story on the lady that sat front row of all homes games with “33” shirts. Is that his mom?
Having been a fan for many years, I am not a homer or bandwagon fan. I have stuck with Illini through thick and thin. Mostly thin. I have done some coaching at the high school level and am just familiar with the game enough to know that at this point it is all about execution. Some of these guys on these podcasts that are saying that they don't know how one team can beat another because they have the three best players are full of it. I have seen some very very talented Illinois squads get knocked off by lesser talented teams because they played high level defense, did not turn the ball over and they played within themselves hitting open shots. I can only hope that this Illini team will stay laser focused and not listen to the noise. The Clemson coach came out and said that the BIG 12 got to many invitations to the tournament and were rated to high. They said it had something to do with I. State's weak non conference-schedule. You talk about chalk board material. Anyone can win at this level. Let's get one on Thursday for all the little guys!
No lol. Thats Lisa. Retired lawyer I believe
Pray for UConn to lose tonight
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