Illini Zip

I deleted the game. I thought I saw an arm extension. And the announcers saw it my way. But you could be right. It was an impressive step-back move regardless.

I’ll wear the conspiratorial scarlet letter until I get an explanation that satisfies me. For example, last night was the first home game that felt like a home game during conference play. Scott even got away with a blatant push off. That never happens. The result, Akron was allowed to finally get into rhythm offensively and shocker they blew out a bad team by 40 points. It helped that NIU couldn’t hit a shot to save their lives, but still. Something is not on the level. Edit: Because we do get home court advantage during the non-conference.

So you’re saying you want a rematch…😄

Didn’t watch the game, but I’m surprised the MAC allowed an undefeated season. But perhaps that’s the result they wanted as has been speculated on here before. That free throw advantage is significant as the away team. Just saying.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the Zips will be preparing for Buffalo’s press. Also remember how that game ended…a bit chilly between the coaches.

Getting upset in a single elimination tournament happens. But the team we played wasn’t likely to lose 8 of their last 12 regardless of how strong the MVC is this year. Me thinks something went terribly wrong.

Of course we didn’t play that Murray State. You have heard Groce mention that sometimes it matters when you play a team. I wonder if it’s injury related.

These early Friday games have been rough on me. Need to watch the replay soon. I did see that Mike LaTulip was the announcer tonight. Mike was the Evan Wilson on Groce’s Illinois team. Very similar in personality and both were incredible glue guys in the locker room.

We have need everyone one of them because we are throwing up bricks tonight. Come on Zips!!

Not liking how close this game is at the moment. I wonder how much the line ups change without Eric.

I think it's probably a culmination of many things that is effecting these players emotionally. But as to the fouling, as bad as Toledo is they're not even the worst offender. If the MAC really, truly wanted to get control of the rediculous fouling issue (I'm all for strong, straight-up physical defense) they would foul guys out regardless of circumstance early into conference play each and every year. Even if it's the first half and a team's best player, it shouldn't matter. Send him to the bench early. The coaches and players will be forced to adjust their approach. But I think the MAC likes the bumping and hacking because it allows the bottom half of the league to stay in games with the top half. If these games were called even close to legitimately I believe Akron blows some teams out by 30-40 points and we have a much better NET ranking. The crap that really bothers me is when the officials in a sense "move the strike zone" mid-game. You play the first 30 minutes of the game with a loose whistle and then out of nowhere they call fouls for breathing on a guy. You can say that the Zips were soft and careless with the ball against the Buffalo press late in that game. Groce believed so. But I'm watching foul after foul by Buffalo not being called as well. We say at times that "the refs have lost control of a game". Watching this video I have to wonder if the refs are losing control of the league. Edit: One can say "who cares" because we are still winning games. But remember that margin of victory affects NET rankings and NET rankings affect seeding in the NCAA Tournament. And I'm tired of getting crushed by the likes of Arizona in the first round.

In Steele’s defense, I’m hearing that the speaker was drunk and belligerent during the whole first half. It had it coming.

I know we often talk about the Kent State hangover, but yesterday’s game didn’t strike me as physically and emotionally draining as some in the past. We didn’t start the game with a tip-off scrum for one. I’m sure there will still be a tendency for a let down. Don’t do it Zips!! Handle your business.

Complete game. Maybe their best game yet.

Sports Center anyone?