Illinois Post Game Thread

[alphasigko]

After Solo’s quick start, Illinois went all in for a while on defending him with everything they had. The back up guard Lee (#1) was put in essentially just to face guard him and then a second defender would shade his way coming around screens.

Solo made Illinois change their game plan - taking one of their offensive weapons off the floor for a defensive specialist. That’s when it’s time for other guys to step up.

And from Solo’s perspective - sure, he got some clean looks late once Illinois was playing more straight up that he didn’t convert. And he just has to be ready to knock those down - “ok, you cooled me off for a while, but now I’ll make you pay.”

But he had a big part in the win even despite cooling off.

Well observed

 

[KingAG]

Im certainly not arguing with myself. You’re making silly statements out of what I appreciate you self-identifying as petty nitpicking. Why you’re proud of your own nitpicking is beyond me. That same Michigan team beat TCU by 4 and Wake Forest by 1 on overtime. Our dominant ‘24 team beat Villanova by 1. Butler by 7. SJU by 4.

We. Are. Not. Going. To. Coast. To. 40. Point. Victories. Over. Everyone. To whine over the fact that we don’t is just moronic. Don’t act like there’s some “standard” for that. It’s childish bluster.

You are arguing with yourself. I have not once asked for us to beat every team by 40. I’ve echoed Hurley. We lax on our intangibles when we have big leads. It’s the sign of a team still growing. It’s an area we can improve on. If not eventually it will bite us in the ass. It’s not a one off. There is always something to improve on.

Now tell me what I said that was silly?

Did you know not 1 starter scored a fg in the final 15 minutes? Remember “foot on gas”? That’s the next level for this team. And they’re going to get there. And when they do it’s night night.

They closed tonight better than BYU(thank you Malachi). And I expect it to continue to improve

Now I’d love to see exactly what about this you “disagree” with. Or if you just want an argument lmao.

 

[alphasigko]

I really like Stewart. But I am shocked at the many missed opportunities he had todqy to have a breakout performance, and he missed every one of them. SMH... He needs to sit as soon as Mullins is in game shape.

 

[Leebo]

Tangentially related, but the other day I tossed the Illinois radio broadcast of the 2024 elite 8 game on for background noise because I was curious.

My favorite part was when Newton was shooting free throws as the 30-0 run began and the play-by-play guy mentioned Newton was first team All-America.

The color commentator, who could not remember any UConn player names half the time, and couldn't pronounce them correctly the other half, laughed upon hearing that fact. Quite classy.

A fitting moment of hubris for the run that was about to unfold.

 

[AllHusky]

Wondering if Coach Underwood wakes up screaming in the night from 30-0 PTSD?

 

[NJHoops]

Nice picture of Reed and Reibe.

 

[firstnline]

Reibe is no fluke. He's a baller.

And he's also developing a nice jump hook.

 

[bazz&boujee]

Malachi looks like 6thMOY nationally

 

[willie99]

Wondering if Coach Underwood wakes up screaming in the night from 30-0 PTSD?

He is happy we're not in the B10

He's like "bring on Rutgers" baby