I thought Williamson was taller watching the game yesterday. Damonte can definitely guard him when he comes in off the bench. Guessing Ayo covers him to start the game
Pregame: Illinois vs Loyola Chicago, Sunday, March 21st, 11:10am CT, CBS
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Deleted member 186590
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Loyola is obviously a good team and they deserve a lot of credit for the season they’ve had- but they are no match for us
Krutwig is what makes their offense go - he will have to dominate Kofi for them to have a chance - if Kofi/Giorgi just play Krutwig to a standstill we are so much better at every other position. They depend on open threes from Krutwig kicking it back out- we can take our chances with Krutwig one and one and not leave open shooters
while stranger things have happened in the tournament this game should not be close
Krutwig is what makes their offense go - he will have to dominate Kofi for them to have a chance - if Kofi/Giorgi just play Krutwig to a standstill we are so much better at every other position. They depend on open threes from Krutwig kicking it back out- we can take our chances with Krutwig one and one and not leave open shooters
while stranger things have happened in the tournament this game should not be close
No kidding...Bloody Mary’s it is then
Deleted member 186590
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Wouldn’t we just have Kofi stay deep and let Krutwig shoot (it doesn’t look like he’s attempted a 3 in a couple of years) and stay tight in everyone else and switch all the picks? Similar to what we did against Michigan?
If they are going to beat us it will have to be 1-1 off the dribble or Krutwig scoring on Kofi down low. I like our chances
And the answer is : DVRs are great!
$600 on the money line to win $200. Good or bad bet fellas?
How are we feeling about Loyola? Personally I’d much rather play them than Wisconsin or Missouri. Also, they aren’t flying under the radar anymore. Underwood will have the team ready to go. Line is -7, I think we cover.
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Not to mention the ref (aka "Your Spouse") will always side with the smaller player.
And he loves the illini....he'll have the name down in a couple of weeks.. by the first round of final four.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I was talking to my girlfriend yesterday about my outlook going forward for our Illini, and I said Sunday is the last game we could lose that has the ability to completely tarnish the goodwill of the season. That's JMO, but damn ... can't lose to a small instate school (much less one the Chicago media would salivate over) in the Second Round when our program has this type of momentum. It would be disastrous for the continued improvement of "Illini Basketball" as a brand, especially in the Chicago area. I told her that if we lose to an Oklahoma State in the Sweet Sixteen or a Houston in the Elite Eight, it will be VERY disappointing, but you could chalk it up to a bad game and "March Madness" ... losing this one would qualify as a disaster.
With that said, I think we got the NCAA Tournament jitters out of our system early yesterday, and I think we come out firing on all cylinders and put them away! I predict a game very similar to the UW-Milwaukee Sweet Sixteen game in 2005, where we play well early but our underdog opponent hangs with us early due to their own great play. However, as the game goes on, we pull away.
(8) Loyola (Chicago) 68
(1) #2 Illinois 80
Let's keep this rolling!
With that said, I think we got the NCAA Tournament jitters out of our system early yesterday, and I think we come out firing on all cylinders and put them away! I predict a game very similar to the UW-Milwaukee Sweet Sixteen game in 2005, where we play well early but our underdog opponent hangs with us early due to their own great play. However, as the game goes on, we pull away.
(8) Loyola (Chicago) 68
(1) #2 Illinois 80
Let's keep this rolling!
SuperMetroid
- Evanston
This was always the ‘Duke destroying some hapless 9-seed in Greensboro’ time slot back in the day.
Use the Michigan game plan and keep it a 2 on 2 game in the pick and roll. Our wings will need to lockdown the 3 point line, which we have been successful at doing.
If Kofi gets into foul trouble, Giorgi will be more than serviceable on Krutwig.
We have the depth to wear them down and pull away late. I’d much prefer pull away early and extend throughout, but Loyola will be trying to also win, or something like that.
If Kofi gets into foul trouble, Giorgi will be more than serviceable on Krutwig.
We have the depth to wear them down and pull away late. I’d much prefer pull away early and extend throughout, but Loyola will be trying to also win, or something like that.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
Early game, bask in the excitement then enjoy some round of 32 hoops!
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
lol. yeah. That home cookin' is frustrating.
I was at that game and I would be very happy with a repeat. One thing I do predict is massive over-exposure to Sister Jean.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
^ That is one of the 2005 Illini games that is available in full on YouTube, so I have watched some of it. It looks like it would be an AWESOME game to watch in person. The arena sounds electric, and both teams came out on fire. Plus, beating Bruce Pearl had to be fun! I am kind of hoping for a similar opportunity with Houston and Kelvin Sampson, though my bracket has the Scarlet Knights taking them down!
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Love the city of Peoria lighting up the bridge orange and blue, cool post!! Whether it's through our loyal fans (native Peorian here!) or the Peoria Pipeline, Peoria has been mighty good to the Illini over the years.
Interesting breakdown of their defense. There are a couple of things that I can see our guards possibly struggling with, specifically the lack of weak side corner help on baseline drives. But overall, it actually gives me more belief that the team will be successful tomorrow as I think we have too many options and ways to score for them to adequately defend.
danielb927
Orange Krush Class of 2013
- Rochester, MN
First half of 70% of Packers games all 5 years I lived on the west coast. I don’t miss that.
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