My goodness. In an absolute heartbeart*

Posted by illini21 on February 24, 2026, 7:49:14, in reply to "Latest bracket for Field of 68 bracket guys is one I’d take in a heartbeat."

Previous Message Still a 2 seed. NC State/Georgia as the 7/10 Gonzaga/UNC as the 3/6 Arizona the 1 seed Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Yes please. Gonzaga won’t last long enough to play us*

Posted by LeatherneckIllini on February 23, 2026, 17:35:46, in reply to "Latest bracket for Field of 68 bracket guys is one I’d take in a heartbeat."

Previous Message Still a 2 seed. NC State/Georgia as the 7/10 Gonzaga/UNC as the 3/6 Arizona the 1 seed Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Don’t think I want NC State purely on the will wade factor, but otherwise yeah

Posted by snipes824 on February 23, 2026, 17:05:38, in reply to "Latest bracket for Field of 68 bracket guys is one I’d take in a heartbeat."

My other do not want is Florida. I’d rather play some of the other 2’s as a 3 than them as a 3 to our 2. Previous Message Still a 2 seed. NC State/Georgia as the 7/10 Gonzaga/UNC as the 3/6 Arizona the 1 seed Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

I’m game*

Posted by memyselfandillini on February 24, 2026, 15:48:02, in reply to "Hey, anyone planning on attending the UMD game 08-Mar?"

Previous Message I want to go. I also want to do a meetup. Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

All the traditional. end-of-season Senior Day matchups.... :-O

Posted by osklister on February 24, 2026, 9:21:08, in reply to "Hey, anyone planning on attending the UMD game 08-Mar?"

Probably.

Posted by DocWalk20 on February 23, 2026, 17:18:40, in reply to "Hey, anyone planning on attending the UMD game 08-Mar?"

But not me. Previous Message I want to go. I also want to do a meetup. Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Friend's kid is a freshman at UI this year. Has an Thursday 8 am class with Keaton

Posted by Blazer on February 23, 2026, 16:15:47, in reply to "College Basketball players skipped classes??? Oh my!"

Says Keaton is in class every time, even after late night Wednesday games. Previous Message Deron was checked out early his freshman season https://us.yahoo.com/sports/articles/had-148-dollars-pay-rent-143500018.html Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

John Stockton with the most predictable horseshit ever. College basketball is having

Posted by Warrin'_Illini on February 23, 2026, 15:58:06, in reply to "College Basketball players skipped classes??? Oh my!"

an amazing season. Cccccccuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuunt! Previous Message Deron was checked out early his freshman season https://us.yahoo.com/sports/articles/had-148-dollars-pay-rent-143500018.html Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan. You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

A mulligan does seem precisely what this loss was rankings-wise because we deserve less IMO.

Posted by illinilosch on February 23, 2026, 12:08:04, in reply to "Still #10 in the AP. Between rankings and metrics, basically got a mulligan. Let's not blow it*"

Makes you wonder where we'd be had we won the game? Top 5 or higher? Almost everyone in the Top 10 lost last week so I do kind of wonder. I'd toss around the fantasy had we won, that we'd be #4 behind Dook, scUM and AZ. Oh well. Take the mulligan, learn from the late collapse and go beat scUM! Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Literally said before the play: “This is one where you tell Dent to just not stop dribbling.

Posted by Carl Spackler on February 23, 2026, 17:19:00, in reply to "Underwood's "blunder" getting a lot of attention. "

Instead guys typically take wild shots with 1-1.5 seconds on the clock, when 5 seconds is plenty of time to get to the rim.” Purdue buddy: “nah it’s not that much time.” *play unfolds* Purdue buddy: “Well. You were right!” Previous Message Brad Underwood's 4.9-Second Coaching Disaster: How Illinois Gift-Wrapped UCLA's Game Winner https://search.app/QwFMy Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

After watching the replay a half dozen times, the players seemed to be so paralyzed

Posted by GMAW on February 23, 2026, 14:09:01, in reply to "Underwood's "blunder" getting a lot of attention. "

Still can’t get over the spot that Z stands in at the end of the play.

Posted by OB25 on February 23, 2026, 12:30:10, in reply to "Underwood's "blunder" getting a lot of attention. "

He essentially left the front of the rim wide open. If he has 2 feet in the middle of the pant, he can literally just stand with his hands straight up and Dent would either have to do a floater or an even more acrobatic shot around him. Previous Message Brad Underwood's 4.9-Second Coaching Disaster: How Illinois Gift-Wrapped UCLA's Game Winner https://search.app/QwFMy Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

He even said right away in the post game they need to look at it. So I think he knows he fucked that

Posted by snipes824 on February 23, 2026, 11:44:34, in reply to "Underwood's "blunder" getting a lot of attention. "

up. Hopefully we’ll see a different strategy on that next time. Previous Message Brad Underwood's 4.9-Second Coaching Disaster: How Illinois Gift-Wrapped UCLA's Game Winner https://search.app/QwFMy Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

The defensive alignment still baffles me*

Posted by Mrap24 on February 23, 2026, 11:16:03, in reply to "Underwood's "blunder" getting a lot of attention. "

Previous Message Brad Underwood's 4.9-Second Coaching Disaster: How Illinois Gift-Wrapped UCLA's Game Winner https://search.app/QwFMy Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Good. It’s a pattern and hopefully will prompt some adjustments*

Posted by CWR10 on February 23, 2026, 10:56:16, in reply to "Underwood's "blunder" getting a lot of attention. "

Previous Message Brad Underwood's 4.9-Second Coaching Disaster: How Illinois Gift-Wrapped UCLA's Game Winner https://search.app/QwFMy Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

ooo

Posted by Mrap24 on February 23, 2026, 10:01:25, in reply to "What's the site again that predicts the conference tourney seeding?"

https://bball.notnothing.net/big10.php?sport=mbb Previous Message

I mean he is referred to often as LOLnardi for a reason.*

Posted by DocWalk20 on February 23, 2026, 13:51:58, in reply to "After a 2 loss week, Lunardi moves Houston up to a 1 seed. Lol*"

Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

If UConn had lost to Villanova I’d have been ever more pissed about our game.

Posted by OB25 on February 23, 2026, 9:48:11, in reply to "After a 2 loss week, Lunardi moves Houston up to a 1 seed. Lol*"

Because then we would have had all 3 teams ahead of us lose on Saturday and for the first time I would have felt like a 1 seed was realistically in play if we beat Michigan. Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

I was reminded last night of the loss at Penn State two years ago (the TSJ/E8 team)

Posted by Blazer on February 23, 2026, 11:37:46, in reply to "Still mad. Can we bounce back? That was just a horrible loss.*"

Literally on the exact same day, February 21. Was arguably just as bad, if not worse--we blew a 10 point lead with 5 minutes to go and a 7 point lead with 40 seconds to go and the ball. And that Penn State team was terrible too. I'd say that team bounced back just fine, even with a loss at home to #1 Purdue with the conference title on the line a couple weeks later. But before that, we won the next three, including the Domask game at Wisconsin. Not sure if any of that is comforting or not. Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Definitely would be a better mindset coming off a win and building up to Friday night, I think.

Posted by JFG on February 23, 2026, 9:30:58, in reply to "Still mad. Can we bounce back? That was just a horrible loss.*"

But dunno...that loss on Saturday was due to some correctible mistakes, so maybe the team needed to see that going into this final stretch. Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Beat Michigan and we probably lock up a 2 seed right?

Posted by illini21 on February 23, 2026, 9:00:00, in reply to "Still mad. Can we bounce back? That was just a horrible loss.*"

I predict i will be very loud and drunk at the game on Friday Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Texas Tech lost Toppin but moved up to #14 NET

Posted by jdl on February 22, 2026, 17:06:40, in reply to "All of our metrics are entirely unchanged. Still 4 in the NET, kenpom"

This team obviously doesnt*

Posted by Dilbert on February 22, 2026, 11:49:37, in reply to "I really want a 2 seed.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

I really want a Cadbury creme egg*

Posted by Stu on February 22, 2026, 11:43:09, in reply to "I really want a 2 seed.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

who do you want? who do you believe we can get with a higher ceiling?

Posted by digs on February 23, 2026, 10:15:30, in reply to "Sadly I think we’ve glimpsed Brad’s ceiling.*"

sad people cant appreciate the greatest stretch in history just gotta shit on it Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Our fanbase is so freaking weird*

Posted by illini21 on February 23, 2026, 9:04:12, in reply to "Sadly I think we’ve glimpsed Brad’s ceiling.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

I’m as irritated as anyone about botching the end, but he’s still got a very high ceiling here.

Posted by voiceofreason on February 22, 2026, 11:06:02, in reply to "Sadly I think we’ve glimpsed Brad’s ceiling.*"

He can win a championship. These kinds of botches cost you championships in March though. Learn from it. Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Are we even going to have enough players to field a team next year?*

Posted by Stu on February 22, 2026, 8:36:05, in reply to "Sadly I think we’ve glimpsed Brad’s ceiling.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

We have a coach who’s shown more willingness to evolve

Posted by ab75 on February 22, 2026, 8:15:14, in reply to "Sadly I think we’ve glimpsed Brad’s ceiling.*"

Than almost any, I think saying ceiling is a bit crazy Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

Meh...our two best players are freshmen and freshmen are still freshmen, even in 2025

Posted by ATL on February 22, 2026, 7:20:34, in reply to "Sadly I think we’ve glimpsed Brad’s ceiling.*"

Se we're going to be inconsistent on the road against a team that is talented and has already knocked off a top 10 team. I do not like how he handles this type of end of game situation though - I think we lost to Tennessee last year on the same type of thing Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan. “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I've been a fan so long I'm immune to pain

Posted by Stu on February 22, 2026, 5:23:01, in reply to "I still can't believe we let a guy go full court basically unabated to lose. Groce*"

Cronin was the biggest villain in college basketball last week

Posted by biclops on February 22, 2026, 0:48:58, in reply to "Largest comeback against an AP 10 team ever, so there’s that*"

Meh. We lost because we were fucking stupid tonight. Can’t win a championship

Posted by voiceofreason on February 21, 2026, 23:53:19, in reply to "Here’s a kenoom number for you: #299 in luck *"

with amateur hour shit like tonight. Hopefully Brad can learn from it quick. These kinds of rosters don’t come together often. Need to capitalize on it when they do. Can’t afford stupid shit. Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

It’s incredibly frustrating to keep losing all the close ones. But from a predictive standpoint…

Posted by OB25 on February 21, 2026, 23:53:14, in reply to "Here’s a kenoom number for you: #299 in luck *"

the team you don’t want to be is the one that has built its resume by winning an abnormally high % of its close games. In pretty much any sport, that’s a sign that you aren’t actually as good as your record shows. So the flip side of that is that we SHOULD feel reassured by none of these going our way. We probably end up a 3 seed but we’re a razor thin margin away from being a 1 seed, and that’s a reflection of the true quality of the team which is why we’re top 5 in NET and KenPom even if we’ll only be top 15 in the polls because of these extremely close losses. But man it sucks in the moment, and I keep replaying the end of that game in my end. This has been a top 2 regular season since 2005 but it sure has come with a bunch of heartbreakers as well. Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan. When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

And take Jim Jackson with him*

Posted by Mrap24 on February 21, 2026, 23:21:13, in reply to "Also: somebody please put Tim Brando out to pasture*"

Previous Message Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.

The more I watch it, there’s just a bunch of small issues with the execution.

Posted by OB25 on February 21, 2026, 23:26:15, in reply to "Eddie Johnson not happy either"

If Boswell sprints down the court, he could have been in a position to be there as the help defender around the free throw line after Dent gets past Andrej. But he kind of jogged down and as a result was a split second too late getting there. And then for some reason Z was set up on the right side of the lane when Dent was driving down the left side, making it easy for him to do the up and under layup. If he’s squared up in the middle of the paint there’s no clear path for Dent and he’d have to make an even more difficult shot. I honestly don’t put much of the fault on the Andrej, there’s nothing he can do at the point Dent gets to him after building up a full head of steam. No defender is going to be able to stop that without fouling. Boswell or Ben needed to get to a spot right around the free throw line to be the final line of defense that forces him to kick the ball out. Previous Message https://x.com/jumpshot8/status/2025417149381312782?s=46&t=MWDCul4OYT_bx4k20dduAA When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

He’s not wrong*

Posted by Mrap24 on February 21, 2026, 23:22:30, in reply to "Eddie Johnson not happy either"

Previous Message https://x.com/jumpshot8/status/2025417149381312782?s=46&t=MWDCul4OYT_bx4k20dduAA

My biggest gripe is the 4.9 seconds left. When you’re down 1 and you take your shot with 6+ seconds

Posted by meanjeans on February 21, 2026, 23:16:17, in reply to "Eddie Johnson not happy either"

left you’re not in a great spot even if you make it, especially in the double bonus Previous Message https://x.com/jumpshot8/status/2025417149381312782?s=46&t=MWDCul4OYT_bx4k20dduAA BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

We still scored 36 in the second half and generated non stop wide open looks

Posted by Blazer on February 21, 2026, 23:13:21, in reply to "Two things concern me: that was as well defended as I’ve seen our offense look in a while"

Just couldn’t hit anything from outside. Got to the rim a ton and got fouled. Also continued to dominate the offensive glass and produce repeated looks multiple possessions. A lot of points on FTs but that’s efficient too. I’m sure it wasn’t the 1.6 or whatever it was in the first half when we couldn’t miss, but offense wasn’t an issue. Previous Message I don’t know what the PPP says for the last ~35 min of the game, maybe it was fine somehow, but viscerally it was tough to watch. Seemed like we were just running into walls play after play. It looked like they “figured something out” Our defense on the other hand allowed plenty of movement. Seemed (I think?) like they were matchup hunting to get guards being defended by our big guys and then they would just go downhill on them play after play and we never stopped it, including the final play of the game. Oh and what on earth is Dre doing shooting 3 threes? Previous Message Have you enjoyed three straight days of Illini content over the USC win? I know I sure have. Now, onto UCLA. UCLA is #41 in the NET. They are 2-7 in Quad 1 games, with wins @ Washington (by 2) and vs. Purdue (by 2). Recently, the took a trip to the great state of Michigan. It didn't go well...lost both games handily by a combined 53 points. Mick Cronin loved it and handled it with style and grace, stating "I love being in the Big Ten...what a conference!" Tyler Bilodeau is still their guy at forward, leading the team in points and rebounds. Former Illini Skyy Clark is still there, along with fellow guards Dent and Perry. Clark and Perry are shooting 48% and 44% from three on the season, so there is talent there. UCLA is 9-6 in the Big Ten, but the only "quality" win they have is that Purdue win from a month ago. UCLA will be looking to bounce back from their terrible Michigan visit with a big win at home (where they are 14-1). They've been off since Tuesday, which hopefully has been enough time to apply some Aquaphor to Mick's chapped diaper-wearing ass. Illinois is flying high. 4th in the NET. Getting lots of love. 7-4 in Quad 1 games. 7-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Coming off the best conference road win since 1978. This team doesn't seem like one that's going to let up on Saturday night. Need this one, and then it's time to host Michigan.