I absolutely believe Giorgi will be able to counter Krutwig, I am not worried about this game at all. We win by 15 to 20 pts.
Pregame: Illinois vs Loyola Chicago, Sunday, March 21st, 11:10am CT, CBS
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Absolutely.
Porter Moser, really good young coach on the cusp of taking a power coaching position I believe. ($$$$$$$)
I must say I very much enjoyed hearing him enumerate the numerous big time challenges that the Illini bring. Cool guy.
People have mentioned that he likes chicago and would like to stay in the area. Does he take Collins spot?
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Or DePaul?
We’re going to win by 12*
Hit free throws and run them in the ground. They are a good def team. They haven’t played a BT schedule. Can’t let them get started early. Kofi out of foul trouble would be great.
I am hoping that Giorgi has a big game or two through this tourney. We are tough to beat when that happens.
Is it just me, or is he due some better karma re bunnies that lip out or ticky-tack fouls against?
I hope GB has a coming out party tomorrow. Who is Loyola’s back up center?
Giovanni Ribisi, I think
I've not seen much of them, but looking at their stats, this team feels like a mini-Purdue - tough on defense, a big that only scores inside (zero 3PA this year), and four guys that launch threes. Let Kofi handle Krutwig without help and aggressively defend the arc - same way we beat Purdue. Unlike Purdue, they are not very deep and have no one behind Krutwig, so pound it inside and make him defend Kofi AND Giorgi.
I pick Damonte.
Moser is an elite presser. Good to hear a coach not sound like a coach but a fan of the game. Not sure he leaves Loyola for a perennial doormat like Depaul or NU. Should hold out for a power5 with a chance to compete within the conference.
I think he's a good fit for Marquette. Would be a good move for both parties.
The valley without Wichita State and Creighton is not a good conference.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
I don’t want this guy in my conference, but wonder if Indiana is prodding Moser
I wondered the same. How could they not be looking at him? He's a star.
We are going to win this game by 20. Loyola tries to play the same slow methodical game as Drexler. Adjusted tempo 340+. They are hoping they can slow us down and play half court. Not gonna happen. Unless they can win the offensive boards and not turn the ball over we are going to run them out of the gym. Book it. And feel free to call me out if this is not the case.
I think Loyola presents a big challenge but that's just my opinion. I think it will be close (<10 pts)
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
Are we better than them? Probably. But they were #17 in the final AP rankings and #9 on Kenpom. It would be a mistake to underestimate them. This could be an all-out brawl. Plus anything is possible in a single-elimination tournament (as we've already seen in the first round).
Deleted member 29907
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did we ever find out why Belo wasn't wearing his headband? I missed it if it was discussed.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
I have read all the stats about Loyola and they sound great...........for a MVC team !!!!.....I don't remember what their SOS is, but, cmon, you have to realize that their stats are weighted on lesser competition.......
I won't argue ""IF"" they are a good defensive team as Brad has gushed about their coach, their D, anything Ramblers related.....But I still think they have not played a level of competition that warrants fear that they can stifle the multi-pronged attack of the Illini...
Numerous announcers and analysts have proclaimed about the Illini offense and how to stop us....
who do you double ??
Kofi .................that leaves Trent open or Adam or DMW...
Ayo .................ditto, plus Kofi down low
Slow down the tempo ?
Good luck with that......when we got our legs going Friday against Drexel, it was a trackfest.......thoroughbreds striding down the court overwhelming the D either with An Ayo drive or Kofi slam......
This game will start out slow and deliberate, feeling each other out, but the Illini have too many weapons and strength of belief in themselves to stop the season now.....
Illini 70
ramless 59
I won't argue ""IF"" they are a good defensive team as Brad has gushed about their coach, their D, anything Ramblers related.....But I still think they have not played a level of competition that warrants fear that they can stifle the multi-pronged attack of the Illini...
Numerous announcers and analysts have proclaimed about the Illini offense and how to stop us....
who do you double ??
Kofi .................that leaves Trent open or Adam or DMW...
Ayo .................ditto, plus Kofi down low
Slow down the tempo ?
Good luck with that......when we got our legs going Friday against Drexel, it was a trackfest.......thoroughbreds striding down the court overwhelming the D either with An Ayo drive or Kofi slam......
This game will start out slow and deliberate, feeling each other out, but the Illini have too many weapons and strength of belief in themselves to stop the season now.....
Illini 70
ramless 59
I always make myself hate the upcoming opponent in my head, but crap, Loyola is extremely hard to hate. I like their team, and I really like their coach. And Sister Jean gives them a mystique that lead them to the final 4 three years ago. That being said, our team is different, with a coach that will have us sky high, and the Illini will take care of business today:
IL 74
Loyola 65
IL 74
Loyola 65
Deleted member 186590
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I say this with all the humility any Illini fan could muster right now- but there is no “probably” about it. We are a better team, we have more offensive weapons, we are more talented at every position and we have played a much higher level of competition this year.
I know you are conjuring the best of Lou “they are a really good team and we’re going to have to play our best to beat them”, and I hope the players and coaches are taking that exact attitude, but as fans we get to have unabated enthusiasm- and our cup overflowith right now!
MDchicago
- Lake Norman NC
Agree, they have a very good team and storyline.
But so do we, and this is the sort of game against good competition with a contrasting style that true champions need to win. Considering that over the past three weeks alone, Illinois has won 7 games over NCAA teams, three on the road (over #9, #1 and #2 seeds) and four at neutral sites (over #10, #2, #2, and #16 seeds), it seems clear that this staff and team are operating at a very high level and have learned what it takes to win close games.
Against Loyola, would think we need to speed them up (opportunistically), hit the boards, and fight for loose balls and defend as if our bb life depends on it (it does!). Like that the game is in a large venue arena, hopefully impacts their 3P shooting. In the end, think our "everyday guys" mantra gets the job done again today. Don't care about victory margin or style points, just survive and advance baby!
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