Entering tonight's contest, the Michigan State-Illinois series was tied at 55. The last 13 games in the series have been decided by 10 points or less, and this was no different. And the #9 Michigan State Spartans fell to the Illinois Fighting Illini 42-41. There was really ugly offense in the first half, by both teams. A 22-20 score is often the result when one team's best … [Read more...] about Michigan St.-Illinois Game Just Like Overall Series: Very Tight
d.j. richardson
2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
It's rather ironic when you think about it. Last year's Illini basketball team entered the year with exceedingly high expectations; the theme was last dance for a talented senior trio. This year's team entered with zero expectations. The theme was rebuilding and re-establishing. Yet, if it were somehow possible to get the two teams to play each other I'd pick this year's squad … [Read more...] about 2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
Illini Basketball MVP Thus Far: Sam Maniscalco
Where would the Illlini be without Sam Maniscalco? What would become of their point guard situation if the three time team captain at Bradley, All-Missouri Valley second team pick wasn't eligible after his transfer this season? Illinois didn't play very well, but they did make it three straight wins in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, and snapped a three-game skid vs. Maryland in the … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball MVP Thus Far: Sam Maniscalco
How’s the Illini Point Guard Situation Coming Along?
Heading into this season, the Illinois Fighting Illini had some questions to answer at "the one." Two games in, they still do. Demetri McCamey, as inconsistent and polarizing as he was, provided minutes and some sense of stability. The situation was helped this offseason when Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco became eligible. He provides a steady veteran hand while PG of the … [Read more...] about How’s the Illini Point Guard Situation Coming Along?
Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul
One of the biggest reasons the Illini fell well short of preseason expectations last year was their lack of defensive heart and intensity. It isn't like a Bruce Weber coached team to not defend, and last year Illinois lost way too many games because their inability to get stops down the stetch and in crunch time. Especially on the road, Illinois would dig deep holes for … [Read more...] about Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul
#36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Illini DJ Richardson’s AWESOME Trick Shot! Sportscenter top Video!
Last night, the Illinois Fighting Illini absolutely mangled the Northwestern Wildcats in a game that was decided minutes after the tip. The Illini shot the lights out from both inside and outside the arc. But that was nothing compared to this trick shot Illinois sophomore guard D.J. Richardson hit from the concourse in between the A and B sections of Assembly Hall. It's … [Read more...] about Illini DJ Richardson’s AWESOME Trick Shot! Sportscenter top Video!
Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?
Sometimes this job is easy. Sometimes it's really, really hard. Take the Illinois men's basketball team for instance. Many people are saying that the Illinois-Texas tilt, a game the Longhorns won 90-84 in overtime, is the best game of this young season so far. I can't possibly agree. I saw two teams playing disorganized, frantic, one-on-one basketball for much of the … [Read more...] about Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?