Game Thread: Illinois vs Iowa

[illiniguy24]

Iowa is really talented. And somehow, on a night we have a chance to win a championship, they want it more than we do. We’re going to have to beat them with hustle and defense tonight to earn this banner

 

[Ramrod2010]

Welcome back RJ

 

[hoopsfan47]

Iowa is really talented. And somehow, on a night we have a chance to win a championship, they want it more than we do. We’re going to have to beat them with hustle and defense tonight to earn this banner

They have a lot at stake too.

 

[IllinistuckinGopherland]

Iowa is really talented. And somehow, on a night we have a chance to win a championship, they want it more than we do. We’re going to have to beat them with hustle and defense tonight to earn this banner

Disagree. We have two defenders (Plummer and Hawkins) who routinely get beat off the dribble. That causes a help, which leads to easy offensive boards for Iowa. It’s not effort, it’s bad defensive ability.

 

[sully]

Nice 3 pointer RJ (welcome back btw)

Lets go Illini!!!!

 

[grantlab]

Offensive rebounding killing us

It hasn’t felt as severe as it has been in the 2nd half because Iowa has missed some bunnies, but man… we need to box out.

 

[SuperMetroid]

We are getting punked on the boards, or outworked do not know which is worse thank god for Kofi

We’re going for too many blocks and leaving guys a free lane to the basket

 

[sdfidaho]

This is the same Iowa team we outrebounded by 29 in Iowa city.

No, it’s not

 

[illiram11]

It's not fair that they have 2 Murrays that look identical and are both good. Too bad Kofi didn't have a twin brother.

 

[logjam]

BIGBOY PANTS TIME!!!!

 

[WeWillWhen]

We miss the little things Grandison does.

 

[skyIdub]

If I never see another Iowa player flying in for an offensive rebound...it will be too soon.

 

[Naborman88]

Keep going inside. Get a Few more fouls on the Murray brothers

 

[grantlab]

No, it’s not

Great post, honestly.

 

[illiniguy24]

Disagree. We have two defenders (Plummer and Hawkins) who routinely get beat off the dribble. That causes a help, which leads to easy offensive boards for Iowa. It’s not effort, it’s bad defensive ability.

That’s a fair statement, but I’ve seen them get more loose balls and successfully fight for more rebounds so far tonight. Also Hawkins only gets beat off the dribble by guards, he’s done a decent job on Murray just like he did the first game against them

 

[BDMAN]

Iowa is really talented. And somehow, on a night we have a chance to win a championship, they want it more than we do. We’re going to have to beat them with hustle and defense tonight to earn this banner

I do not think they want it more they just seem to be getting the breaks, what scares me is every home game of significance we have lost this year I am hoping things even out and we get one

 

[ILLFAN67]

I’d have to say Hawkins has played pretty good d. Plummer on the other hand is why we struggle. We do go for blocks and leave offensive rebounding wide open.

 

[Rocky]

Let's go, Illini !!! You just have to stay disciplined, and Iowa cannot compete !!!

 

[shah62]

Melendez is the smartest player on this team. No idea how he hasn't taken all of Hawkins minutes yet

 

[InDaAZ]

RJ just busted a stitch on that charge…

 

[sully]

Finally an offensive foul on Murray. Lets go Illini!

 

[FloridaMan]

RJ. Difference maker.

 

[aaeismacgychel]

The careless turnovers are going to kill us. If we're going to turn the ball over, make Iowa work for it.

 

[Illiniguy13]

Melendez is the smartest player on this team. No idea how he hasn't taken all of Hawkins minutes yet

Huh

 

[IllinistuckinGopherland]

Melendez is the smartest player on this team. No idea how he hasn't taken all of Hawkins minutes yet

Burst appendix didn’t help