Pregame: Illinois vs Minnesota, Wednesday, February 28th, 8:00pm CT, BTN
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Tacomallini
- Washington State
Minnesota is just ahead of Iowa in the B1G standings, but Iowa beat Minnesota twice this season.
No letdowns.
Even if our starters are playing well, I like the hockey line substitution pattern going forward. We always have fresh legs on the floor, there is not a huge dropoff in scoring or defense, it motivates guys to give their all while on the court and not pace themselves or take defensive possessions off, it helps keep key players out of foul trouble, the two "teams" can scrimmage each other in practice to build camaraderie, friendly competition and cohesion, and the payoff comes at the end of games where we have previously struggled. Iowa's starters were clearly gassed when compared to the Illini who finished strong and hustled to the end. Is Brad a genius, or what?
I HIGHLY doubt this will be a "strategy" or pattern moving forward. This was a somewhat desperate attempt to kickstart the team. And it worked, and we got awesome minutes from Nico for it.
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
Defense. Defense. Defense. Defense. Defense. Must be the focus for the rest of the season. Illini won’t get to the second weekend unless it improves.
Chad Fleck
- Eureka, IL
Payne has been pretty great for Minnesota lately. I'm concerned about Coleman covering him effectively based on how Payne played the last couple of games I watched him in.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
I don't think BU does. That was an "I am going to rub your noses in how badly you're playing in front of the crowd" moment. Message sent.
He was completely frustrated. After he made the substitutions he sat down between Chester and Tyler. Pretty sure I could read his lips and he says, "what do you want me to do?"
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
It is frustrating. The calm and methodical nature of our starters just has a tendency to veer into a lack of intensity. They play at a simmer, not a boil, and all of a sudden the stove is off entirely. Its a team with Domask's personality which is great in many ways but has its drawbacks.
Dain and Nico shake that all up. I really want to see more of that.
(Outside of the comments of containing Garcia and Christie)... Their lightning quick PG may give us some fits. Gotta wall up and play physical.
I could see how some might see his personality as being too laid back, but as many of the on-air announcers have commented, he just doesn't get rushed or sped up, plays within himself, and is simply an assassin with the ball when he gets to his spot. I can't recall the last player we had here that was just so confident in his short to mid range jumper (8-10').
blackdog
- Champaign
Then when the bench mob got a stop, went down and scored, he got up and spread his hands in front of them like "See? That's how you do it!"
This is where we miss Sincere.
Goillinikobd
- Southeastern US
Man, I hope it was more strategic that desperate. I like strategy better than desperation.
True. Illinois is the better team. But as has been shown previously, Illinois must stay engaged and not mail in their performance.
It seems to me that Nico is the “fastest” player we’ve had since Curbelo. Fast in the sense that he does not slowly dribble up court surveying; he dribbles quickly before the defense can get set/comfortable and tries to do get everyone moving on offense. I view that as a big net positive, understanding that the method does lead to a turnover on occasion.
Minny has won their last 4 B1G games at home. The way we’ve been playing defense, we will be real fortunate to come out with any type of victory.
Good thing the game takes place in Champaign
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Luckily we play in Champaign.
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