Up to #11 in AP*

Posted by OB25 on January 19, 2026, 12:26:57, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Who is more likely to play in the NBA - Tomi or Z?

Posted by Herman Blume on January 18, 2026, 7:37:11, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Gotta be Z at this point, right, due to his rim protection skilz? And it seems like he shoots the three as well as Tomi. Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Back to 6th on KP*

Posted by assassin on January 17, 2026, 21:31:33, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

Apparently Drej was hurt in the game

Posted by ATL on January 17, 2026, 15:07:01, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

I do love Hank Hill calling into every DWS post game*

Posted by opossum jenkins on January 17, 2026, 14:14:53, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

To best rim protector discussion below. Z has a 14.8% block rate. Next highest in kenpom era is

Posted by gvibes on January 17, 2026, 13:49:00, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Egwu at 8.3 in his junior year. Kind of wild. Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Informal pole: how many guys on this roster do you think will play 50+ career NBA games?*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 13:38:06, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I would like to thank Medvedev for inexplicably ever getting out of their zone defense.*

Posted by Carl Spackler on January 17, 2026, 13:33:25, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Wildly impressed with Minnesota. That’s my takeaway*

Posted by GMAW on January 17, 2026, 13:23:11, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Forgot about this game. Why did Stojakovic play so little? Flu?*

Posted by gvibes on January 17, 2026, 13:08:02, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

dropped to 7 on kp *

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 13:00:29, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

We’ve won two second halves in a row! Extend Underwood!*

Posted by biclops on January 17, 2026, 12:59:20, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. The way you are, it's not your fault, you knew that The way we were, so young and caught up in it

Blouses. Hope Andrej is ok.*

Posted by Toonces on January 17, 2026, 12:59:07, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. Legitimately bronchial.

Good win. Not pretty but got it. *

Posted by harb on January 17, 2026, 12:58:58, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. [Assassin] Harb is the epitome of a Goldfish Troll. [Opey] Assholes gonna asshole [tiki] #### all the way off with that, you bloodthirsty hilljack.

Man I still do a double take every time Kevin Kruger is on the screen*

Posted by Herman Blume on January 17, 2026, 12:58:53, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

On the dot

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:58:24, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/msg/1768672488.html Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

That went about how I thought it would. Glad we don’t have to go to the Barn*

Posted by Blazer on January 17, 2026, 12:57:59, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Good win.*

Posted by bjl63 on January 17, 2026, 12:57:47, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

I mean that's way worse than the one they called on Kykan but glad they let it go *

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 12:56:45, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Winning the GMAW Memorial January Doldrums Game (TM) is fun. We should do it more*

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:56:14, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Free throw capital of America

Posted by timmer on January 17, 2026, 12:56:04, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Remember when opponent’s FT defense were the best in the country? Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. (for rent)

*exhales*

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 12:55:38, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

So shifty*

Posted by Blazer on January 17, 2026, 12:54:23, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Wagler really wants the ball in his hands when it matters*

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:54:13, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Shocked that wasn’t called on Wagler.*

Posted by voiceofreason on January 17, 2026, 12:53:33, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

everything's a hook and hold now*

Posted by apusikam on January 17, 2026, 12:52:32, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Oh my god no*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:52:21, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Oh no not again *

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 12:52:19, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Incredibly deep sigh*

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:52:15, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Sweet meltdown guys*

Posted by Ron McDon on January 17, 2026, 12:51:58, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Went back to sleep.*

Posted by bjl63 on January 17, 2026, 12:51:48, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

What the fuck are we doing this last minute? It’s not over, guys.*

Posted by voiceofreason on January 17, 2026, 12:51:38, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

won’t someone please think of the metrics *

Posted by biclops on January 17, 2026, 12:51:37, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. The way you are, it's not your fault, you knew that The way we were, so young and caught up in it

our inbounds plays (?) are beyond bad.*

Posted by Ari Gold on January 17, 2026, 12:51:19, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

WTF is this*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:50:59, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Hey guys, game is not over*

Posted by Blazer on January 17, 2026, 12:50:58, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Holy shit, DON"T DO THAT*

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 12:50:53, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Wtf*

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:50:29, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Love that the new guy just has to wear the orange jump suit every game*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:50:11, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Oh, seeing that win streak against scUM is sweet *

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 12:49:50, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

That second shot by Tomi was phenomenally dumb. Use your head big guy*

Posted by Blazer on January 17, 2026, 12:48:55, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

played with our food most of this game

Posted by apusikam on January 17, 2026, 12:48:54, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Will probably end up ok. Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

lol, brutal, non-aggressive sequence for Tomi there.*

Posted by voiceofreason on January 17, 2026, 12:48:45, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Cmon Tomi. Time and score*

Posted by Ron McDon on January 17, 2026, 12:48:39, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Sure, stay in that zone down 12 *

Posted by jdl on January 17, 2026, 12:48:38, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Fuck it’s let cover too*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:48:19, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Our clock operator is not having a good year*

Posted by Herman Blume on January 17, 2026, 12:47:38, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

How is that a change of possession?*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:46:40, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We’re all demoralized with not being able to extend and keep the lead. But imagine being on the

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:45:39, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

We’ve definitely had a good whistle a few times this season. Today is not one of those days*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:44:05, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Can someone teach the guys getting paid to call this game what a travel is? My lord.*

Posted by voiceofreason on January 17, 2026, 12:42:31, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Let's get Z back in the game*

Posted by GrandmotherPearlsJam on January 17, 2026, 12:42:18, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

travel?*

Posted by Ari Gold on January 17, 2026, 12:41:49, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

80% FT shooter misses front end, 18% three pt shooter hits. What a terrible swing*

Posted by Blazer on January 17, 2026, 12:41:47, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Thought we had woken up. Guess not*

Posted by bjl63 on January 17, 2026, 12:41:01, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

more missed front ends.*

Posted by Ari Gold on January 17, 2026, 12:40:57, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Jinxed. *

Posted by Tuscy on January 17, 2026, 12:40:36, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. "I wouldn't mind the DP here." - jumpingdan

There’s a kill shot*8

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:37:04, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Is Z the best rim protector we’ve ever had?*

Posted by OB25 on January 17, 2026, 12:34:30, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Minnesota runs really really good offense

Posted by Blazer on January 17, 2026, 12:34:25, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

No idea if their new coach will recruit, but they’re clearly well coached Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.

Lob it!*

Posted by John Coctostan on January 17, 2026, 12:33:15, in reply to "Illini Basketball vs. Minnesota Pre-game and Game Thread (Sat 11am CST on BTN)"

Previous Message After ripping off two road wins, the Illini start a two game home slate before we head to Purdue on January 24th. Game 1 (tomorrow) is vs. Minnesota. Minnesota is currently unranked in the AP with a 10-7 record (they are 1-2 on the road and 0-3 on neutral sites). Minnesota is 1-3 in their Q1 games, with the win being a 70-67 win over Iowa at home. They are currently 3-3 in the conference, and have lost two in a row (USC and Wisconsin). HOWEVER...those two losses were only by a combined 4 points, so this is NOT last years' Gophers' team. That came with a coaching change to Niko Medved, the first year Gopher's coach. I haven't watched Minnesota play this year, but Google AI says this: On-Court System Offense: Medved's teams run a disciplined and efficient offense that prioritizes ball movement and getting high-percentage shots. They aim to make the defense work for the entire shot clock and focus on minimizing turnovers. Defense: While the primary focus is on offensive efficiency, his teams also value possessions and make opponents work for their shots, employing a more conservative defensive approach rather than one focused on forcing many turnovers. Cade Tyson is their guard that leads them in minutes played and scoring average at 21.1 a game. Ok Kylan KILL HIM. They have a couple other guys that average in the low teens in scoring. This is a Q3 game for us, ahead of a Q4 game against Maryland next week. No slip ups allowed. Students probably won't be back on Saturday (dorms open up on Sunday), so hopefully the crowd will show up and will us to victory if Minnesota gets pesky (they will do that). Hopefully we get everybody out there health and cruise to a nice comfy win. I have a feeling it's gonna be a grinder.