ILL open as a Vegas pickem. True toss up game!
First 2,000 #illini fans tomorrow night get a Malcolm Hill toothbrush holder
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Groce: Expecting a real war, battle tomorrow vs. Michigan State. Both teams playing really well.
Groce: We understand that we got to be ready to go. The guys had a great look in their eye yesterday.
Groce: Six seniors are special guys. They've really grown as people. How they've learned to handle success, stick together.
Groce: We're on the deal where we're talking about climbing the ladder. Want to stay in bunker mode.
Groce: We'll have the seniors over for a meal when it's all finished up. Right now focused on having a practice for MSU
Groce: It's fun to be playing well. That's not a given. It's certainly not.
Groce: Malcolm and I have really challenged each other. The seniors have made me better.
Groce: We've played well. That doesn't guarantee you anything today. It's a choice that we make.
Groce: Lately, we've chose the right path. We have to continue to do that by focusing on the day to day.
Groce: MSU playing very, very well right now. Good synergy and toughness.
Groce: Gotta get back in transition. They're a load in transition, great on the glass, execute well, take care of ball.
Groce: Winston and Lucas are two young PGs playing really well. Both have elite-level vision. That's a gift.
Groce: Players have to choose to respond and be tough. Bulk of credit goes to them.
Groce: My parents instilled the fighting mentality, coaches and teammates I've had in the past. That's kind of what we do. We fight.
Groce on if he mentions NCAA Tournament: "No. We practice at 2:30 today."
Groce: The analogy of ladder comes from dad (in construction). He's skipped steps and fallen once or twice.
Groce: "We're not going to skip steps. We're going to take it one day at a time."
Groce: Will remind our players that we are still playing for something throughout the season though. Just have to get better.
Groce: Challenged fans to come, and as they always do, they responded. Want to honor seniors.
Groce: I do think fans can certainly make a difference. We hope the building has a ton of energy tomorrow night.
Groce: I remember the phone call where Malcolm said, 'I'm in.' I'm certainly glad he made that call.
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I think Nichols may get some opportunity to guard Bridges.
He'll being guarding Ward, too. Going to be a busy night for Kipset.
ILL open as a Vegas pickem. True toss up game!
Groce: We're on the deal where we're talking about climbing the ladder. Want to stay in bunker mode.
Just how does one stay in the bunker and climb the ladder at the same time?
Surprised we are favored right now by Vegas. I expected a pick 'em or MSU by a point or 2.
There are a few golf courses where that is entirely possible.
Living on the edge is tough, but at least it's worth watching. If you'd asked me three weeks ago, I would've laughed in your face when you told me this game would mean something.
For the first time in months, I have plans to plant my a** in front of a TV to watch a live Illini game start to finish. That's really something. Here's hoping they can make it worthwhile!
Groce: We're on the deal where we're talking about climbing the ladder. Want to stay in bunker mode.
Just how does one stay in the bunker and climb the ladder at the same time?
IMO, Illinois should be the obvious favorite in this one and losing would be an upset. IMO, the line is off by a fair bit.
- MSU relies on four 18/19 y.o. freshmen to win games.
- MSU has only won 2 true road games the entire season. @Nebraska &
@Minnesota (the 1st B10 game of the season in OT...before Minny gelled),
both coming w/ a healthy Eron Harris playing.
- MSU doesn't rebound as well as Izzo team's normally do, they commit
turnovers at a high rate and they have almost no post depth.
Turning MSU over is the key to winning this game. There is a lot of pressure on the MSU freshmen in this game (double bye/still in title hunt *technically*) and I expect them (sans Bridges) to struggle at the SFC. If we force 16+ turnovers (just 2 over their average), we are going to win this game comfortably by 7+ points.
Quickly moves to Illinois -1.5 Hmmm
Game Notes
BTN: Kevin Kugler & Jon Crispin
http://www.fightingillini.com/news/...spartans-wednesday-night-for-home-finale.aspx
Kipper won't be guarding Ward. If Kipper is guarding Ward, we have major foul trouble.