By Paul Schmidt Even if you take at face value how much the Illini are trying to win the NIT, their second half performance against Kent State was inspiring. Such is life for the Illini, who had to answer a barrage of questions about whether or not they really wanted to be in the NIT after their 75-58 win against the Kent State Golden Flashes. The win was the 21st on … [Read more...] about Illinois Advances in the N. I. T., Happy to Be Here. Really.
Illinois
Big Ten Quarterfinals Loaded With Goodness
By Paul Schmidt One never quite knows what to expect in a situation like the Big Ten Quarterfinals. There was much bubble drama, there was much intrigue. But would the games be competitive? That may have been the most important question coming into the day, in all reality. Would the games be competitive enough to hold my (and anyone else in the press's) attention for … [Read more...] about Big Ten Quarterfinals Loaded With Goodness
Exhale Illini Nation: We Should Be Dancing
By Paul Schmidt No no, seriously everyone. Come back in from the ledge. It's nice inside. We've got refreshments and cookies! Punch and pie too. Much like the resilient emperor penguin, you have persevered, Illini Nation. Finally, the team has rewarded you. … [Read more...] about Exhale Illini Nation: We Should Be Dancing
Big Ten Quarters/Big East Semis Live Chat!
By The Sports Bank Staff The title says it all, we're here talking conference tourneys all day long at The Bank! The most important early day plot lines are whether or not Michigan can keep this up (THIS being a 16-10 lead halfway through the first half) and whether or not the Illini can punch their ticket to the Big Dance with a victory against Wisconsin. Join us, as we … [Read more...] about Big Ten Quarters/Big East Semis Live Chat!
Illinois or Northwestern: Who Choked Worse?
By Paul M. Banks Regarding college basketball in the state of Illinois, it is the worst of times. And it's again the worst of times. We may get zero teams in the NCAA tournament. And it's all over from the Wisconsin border to the edge of the state that neighbors Kentucky. SIU was on the national stage for much of the 2000s, today they're irrelevant. DePaul has been a joke … [Read more...] about Illinois or Northwestern: Who Choked Worse?
You Can’t Spell Fighting Illini Without N. I. T.
By Paul Schmidt All I could think about, as the Illini lost to Wisconsin 72-57, was Nirvana. Which probably sounds odd. Considering the song that kept replaying in my mind was, "I Hate Myself And Want To Die," well, perhaps it's not so crazy. … [Read more...] about You Can’t Spell Fighting Illini Without N. I. T.
Illinois Moves Self Squarely Onto Bubble
By Paul Schmidt It was an opportunity to end a fringe bubble team's season. It was an opportunity to keep themselves squarely in the field. Now, it seems that the Illini just might be fighting for their lives. … [Read more...] about Illinois Moves Self Squarely Onto Bubble
Illinois-Minnesota Live Blog, NCAA’s at Stake!
By Paul Schmidt and Paul M. Banks Let's not understate the importance of this game: Illinois MUST win at home, and Minnesota MUST win to keep their slim NCAA hopes alive. Neither team can afford the blemish of this loss. The key will be which team doesn't succumb to the immense pressure that comes with must-win games nearly every time out at this time of the season. Tip … [Read more...] about Illinois-Minnesota Live Blog, NCAA’s at Stake!
Illinois-Minnesota Preview
By Paul M. Banks and Mike Gallagher … [Read more...] about Illinois-Minnesota Preview
Illini Fall on the Road to #4 Purdue, Damage NCAA Hopes?
By Paul Schmidt Was the game a must win for the Illini? A road game against the number four team in the country? Probably not. That's what would have made winning the game all the more impressive. … [Read more...] about Illini Fall on the Road to #4 Purdue, Damage NCAA Hopes?