Pregame: Illinois vs UConn, 5:09pm CT, TBS

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#101      

RabidDawgClassic

RabidDawgClassic
RabidDawgClassic
Illini2010-11 said:
It means all of the pressure is on UCONN. Illini should be able to play loose and have fun. Win or lose, it has been a great run; however, I really like the Illini's chances, especially if UCONN comes out tight. Build an early lead, and anything can happen.
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In gambling parlance, when people are playing with house money, they become too loose, p!ss away their winnings while also trying to protect their initial bet. To win the national championship (breaking the house) we’ve got to play aggressive for three more games with a win or bust attitude. That means aggressively, but strategically, betting all our chips… not just the “house” chips we’ve won.

In Vegas, most people know how much they’re willing to lose. But very few go in with a mindset of how much they’re willing to win. Elite 8, Final Four or Championship game are not enough. It’s Natty or bust!
 
#102      

OrangeKrush1981

OrangeKrush1981
OrangeKrush1981
RabidDawgClassic said:
I don’t like this house money talk. That’s what you say when you’re preparing yourself to lose. I want to break the house!
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I do not think for one instant that Fighting Illini players or staff are talking about a "house money" scenario. I believe 100% that they (1) know UCONN is very, very good but (2) are convinced the Illini are very, very capable of winning this game. (I happen to have that perspective myself.)

Fans in general, however, ought to be welcome to have whatever feelings they want in support of this squad, seems to me.
 
#103      

Hobbesfan

H
Hobbesfan
Illini fans, relish the moment and don't dwell on the UConn game. In the NCAA Tournament, anything is possible. Remember, Illinois isn't just an okay team—they're Elite too. Thursday night, Illinois achieved something against Iowa State that many couldn't: forcing the Cyclones to play zone, not once but twice. Keep in mind, that Iowa State was the number one defensive team in college basketball. Marcus Domask and Coleman Hawkins effectively dismantled their trap defense. Finally, on Saturday night, remember we have the trump card: Terrence Shannon Jr. will be the best player on the court, and he's on our side. Shannon scored 29 points only playing 22 minutes. Go Illini.
 
#105      

IlliniHardwood

I
IlliniHardwood
Chad Fleck said:
Team = think you can and should win.

Fans = think you can and should win OR house money

We are not on the team, FYI.
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Only partially agree here. We may not be on the team, but we invest ourselves into this program with our time, thought, and at times, donations/purchases. Hopefully, fans that think we are playing with house money are not the fans representing Illini Nation at these games. The fans blessed enough to be there should leave the "house money" mindset outside of the arena and give it all they have because that's what the team will be & has been doing, and the fans there actually can affect the game even if they are not on the roster.
 
#106      

sacraig

sacraig
The desert
sacraig
BZuppke said:
Well we have to outscore them for one thing.
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Seth Meyers Lol GIF by Late Night with Seth Meyers
 
#107      

lstewart53x3

lstewart53x3
Scottsdale, Arizona
lstewart53x3
IlliniHardwood said:
Only partially agree here. We may not be on the team, but we invest ourselves into this program with our time, thought, and at times, donations/purchases. Hopefully, fans that think we are playing with house money are not the fans representing Illini Nation at these games. The fans blessed enough to be there should leave the "house money" mindset outside of the arena and give it all they have because that's what the team will be & has been doing, and the fans there actually can affect the game even if they are not on the roster.
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All “house money” means for those of us that see the game this is way is that we give ourselves permission to enjoy the game.

We don’t have to be anxious all day that if we lose, we might have to fire the coach, we won’t be able to recruit well, our program is a dumpster fire, etc.

Fans enjoying this game for what it is has absolutely no impact on the result of the game.
 
#110      

Illini2010-11

I
Sugar Grove
Illini2010-11
IlliniHardwood said:
Only partially agree here. We may not be on the team, but we invest ourselves into this program with our time, thought, and at times, donations/purchases. Hopefully, fans that think we are playing with house money are not the fans representing Illini Nation at these games. The fans blessed enough to be there should leave the "house money" mindset outside of the arena and give it all they have because that's what the team will be & has been doing, and the fans there actually can affect the game even if they are not on the roster.
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Who says that fans are not going to give it their all? This house money angle from many of us, comes from what we would call a successful season. We got the second weekend, which was the minimum threshold. Now the team is Elite. Win or lose tonight it has been a great season. The players and fans are going to be totally invested in this game. If we lose, I will be greatly disappointed but totally happy for the extremely successful season.

UCONN is the team with all the pressure. They are going for back to back titles and are talk of the town. Illini are a very dangerous team as a result.
 
#115      

IlliniHardwood

I
IlliniHardwood
lstewart53x3 said:
All “house money” means for those of us that see the game this is way is that we give ourselves permission to enjoy the game.

We don’t have to be anxious all day that if we lose, we might have to fire the coach, we won’t be able to recruit well, our program is a dumpster fire, etc.

Fans enjoying this game for what it is has absolutely no impact on the result of the game
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Now we're just discussing what we perceive in the phrase "playing with house money", which means you've won beyond expectation. There has been a fair amount of discussion regarding this being one of the best teams in Illini history and having arguably the best player in Illini history, so why would our expectation only be getting to the Sweet 16? For many of us, we aren't playing with house money and do believe this team has a legitimate shot to win tonight and the whole thing. You can give yourself permission to enjoy the game regardless -- it's Illinois basketball afterall...although I will admit I had a hard time enjoying the last 2 minutes of the PSU game or most of the Maryland game in Champaign.

Fans at the game absolutely do have an impact on the game -- see Coach K's sour grapes over playing without fans at Camron Indoor and losing to us during the COVID year as well as giving weight to away vs neutral vs home wins/losses in tourney resumes.
 
#116      

fatboyslim

F
fatboyslim
Ryllini said:
This is going to be a Adam Fletcher game. UConn is alot like Purdue and their actions. They have a ton of then. They can make you guard for days and eventually you are gassed.
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In case you haven't noticed Illinois doesn't get gassed. We're one of the most well conditioned in the tournament. UConn will not be played Xavier or Butler types.
today. It's kind of like Iowa St or at least their fans thinking they could just punk us and force us off our game with their defense. Illinois is a very unique team compared to almost any other team in this tournament. We've played in every type of game: disappointing losses, teams we've blown out, close games, games where we've down by double digits, teams trying to take away Domask or TSJ, teams that make you guard, etc. Bring it on UConn, we've seen it all.
 
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#119      

fatboyslim

F
fatboyslim
BlueLeader said:
Maybe Brad has been waiting all season to unveil that Ty is actually a 35% 3PT shooter.
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You know what I thought about this ever since I've been seeing the possibility of Clingan guarding Ty. What if Ty attempts a couple of 3's or even a shot beyond the FT line. I doubt it will happen but I would love to see him attempt a jump shot.
 
#121      

One Man Fast Break

O
One Man Fast Break
Watching back UConn's tournament games. The biggest concern I keep running into is that I think Dainja is just straight up unplayable against Clingan. He doesn't have a size/strength edge and Clingan is in his element standing in the post if Dainja tries the moves that work against so many others. This is one where a Super Senior 5th year Kofi would really come in handy!

For what it's worth, their backup big, Number 35 Samson Johnson, is also very good and brings a different element as an athletic rim runner.
 
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