In our latest NCAA Tournament projection, we have the Illini as a #9 seed in the South Regional. Since February is pretty much here- time to think about who needs to shore up the old resume for selection time come March. At 16-6, 5-4 in conference, RPI 37, SoS 26 and 5-4 and vs the RPI top 50 their profile looks very solid, but not extraordinary. Including that BAD loss at … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini Tournament Resume: Strengths and Weaknesses
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Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
The Big Ten's leading rebounder, and best player on the nation's 9th ranked team may be out for awhile. Michigan State forward Draymond Green seriously hurt his left leg in tonight's mild upset loss to the Illini, and left the game with 3:50 left, unable to walk on his own power. Green was down on the Assembly Hall floor in Champaign for quite awhile, and after examination … [Read more...] about Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
Michigan St.-Illinois Game Just Like Overall Series: Very Tight
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
Illini Get Grindy Road Win at Northwestern, Snap Chicago Area Losing Streak
Lots of cliches applied in this college basketball game "tale of two halves," "halftime adjustments" "wining ugly" "blue-collar" I could go on and on, but I've tortured you enough already. In the battle to be "Chicago's Big Ten team" Illinois defeated Northwestern 57-56 in the same manner they won this year's college football meeting- starting slow, having to come back in … [Read more...] about Illini Get Grindy Road Win at Northwestern, Snap Chicago Area Losing Streak
Illini Outlast Gophers in Never Ending Big Ten Opener
One of my all time favorite The Simpsons quotes: "Mr. Simpson, this is the biggest case of false advertising since my suit against the film the Never Ending Story" --Lionel Hutz The legendary lawyer played by the late, great Phil Hartman refers to a 1984 film with a running time of 94 minutes. Illinois escaping 81-72 in 2 OT over the Minnesota Golden Gophers ran about 2 … [Read more...] about Illini Outlast Gophers in Never Ending Big Ten Opener
Illini Show they’re Still “Fighting,” Give #9 Mizzou a True Scare
If you're an Illini basketball fan, you've got to feel much better about this loss 78-74 to #9 12-0 Missouri Tigers team than you do about the last three wins. I'll repeat and explain because I know it's a very odd sounding sentence. You've got to feel much better about this Illinois game tonight when they were down double digits to an undefeated, top ten team yet clawed … [Read more...] about Illini Show they’re Still “Fighting,” Give #9 Mizzou a True Scare
Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Even when Illinois is having a down year, or a "rebuilding year," they still get at least one win in over a ranked team. In 1998-99 and 2007-08 (two college basketball seasons that saw Illinois break the school record for losses) they still beat a couple ranked teams- even if it didn't happen until the Big Ten Tournament. It's a hallmark of where Illinois is as a program, … [Read more...] about Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Illinois over Illinois State in Cancun Tourney Title PARTY!!! WOO-HOO!!!
It was an all Land of Lincoln title game in the 2011 Cancun Challenge title game. The Illinois Fighting Illini fell behind the Illinois State Redbirds 49-48 down the stretch but rallied in the end and hung on to win 63-59. The Moon Place Resort in Cancun, Mexico houses a very small gym which was the setting for the Illini claiming a tournament victory. The cold prairies of … [Read more...] about Illinois over Illinois State in Cancun Tourney Title PARTY!!! WOO-HOO!!!