We will have a great chance if today's version of Tre White shows up Friday.
Pregame: Illinois vs Purdue, Friday, March 7th, 7:00pm CT, FOX
- Status
Keep getting stronger., smarter and the crowd will get Pu off their game. No Edey to cover. KB will guard Smith. Go Illini . Can’t wait for Friday’s win.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Biggest concern for me in this one is Loyer flopping. That dude is light as a feather and he sells contact like the best of them. Could see KJ drawing a couple of cheapies.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Have to win, period. So much on the line, and most of all … we need playing in the House of ‘Paign to actually mean something again.
Any idea on Morez's status? Any chance it's this game or gonna hold out til BTT?
I am cool with waiting until the B1G tourney. I'd rather wait and be sure he's 100% ready for the NCAA's than risk a 'too early' return. I just don't think the B1G tourney is a priority right now with the way this year has gone so far with injury/illnesses. Big Picture, if he can get a couple lower minute 'warm up' games in the B1G tourney great, build from that into NCAA tourney play.
Would love to have Morez back for this one but I think the Illini still matchup very well with Purdue who lack size throughout their roster.
Neither Furst or Kaufman-Renn are really shooters so I'd force Kaufman-Renn to try to finish inside on a 7 footer over and over. Then I'd tell White live to live inside Loyers shirt and run him off the 3pt line.
Offensively, don't settle for 3s and just attack the basket repeatedly. Purdue has literally no rim protection.
Neither Furst or Kaufman-Renn are really shooters so I'd force Kaufman-Renn to try to finish inside on a 7 footer over and over. Then I'd tell White live to live inside Loyers shirt and run him off the 3pt line.
Offensively, don't settle for 3s and just attack the basket repeatedly. Purdue has literally no rim protection.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
It's amazing to think that we are the only program who has to worry about our best players not getting calls AT HOME.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
100% agree. I feel like one win will lock us into a 7 seed, and I feel good about getting that one win without Morez. I'd much rather want him 100% and ready to make a statement.
I said it in a different thread - there's going to be a 2 seed that's going to see Illinois pop up as a 7 seed and NOT be happy about it at all.
I think that Michigan game is gonna be a huge confidence builder for KJ. Key is to keep Boswell out of foul trouble so he can fluster Smith. I like the idea of PU only having 2 days to prepare for us and we have a whole week to practice. Is it just me or does Loyer bother the crap out of other people also. Let’s get some big time momentum heading into BTT
I'd feel better if they were playing at rutgers
If Brad points that out BEFORE the game, we'll start to get them. Worked for Lute Olson against us in the Elite 8.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Yesterday's refs allowed a lot of contact, both ways. It seemed "fair". And I thought that in the first half too, when we weren't stomping them.
This…and what they allow TKR to get away with. With the ball he really bullies his way into the defender and then when there is minimal contact back on him he gets bailed out with a call.
It’s probably just me, but it seems like the B1G refs have been allowing way more contact the past couple of weeks. Makes me wonder if it is by design as March Madness approaches.
This game should tell a lot. If we beat a good Purdue team, we may make a run in the Dance
I agree, though I do think Morez making an appearance in the B1G Tourney is important for the Selection Committee to see. Otherwise, they likely will not consider him as a factor in the seeding process, thanks in part to Kansas misleading them on their No. 2 scorer's availability last year.
I just hope for good refs that call the game fairly and let the kids play.
I think we've turned a HUGE corner, and are beginning to peak, and will beat Purdue.
I think we've turned a HUGE corner, and are beginning to peak, and will beat Purdue.
- Status