Illini Zip

Nice to see that we can still hit 100 points regardless of the lineup rotation.

Buffalo on the road sounds like it could be a good challenge. But at the same time I could see them having an emotional let down game like we experienced after losing a close one in Miami.

Great response by the Zips. The MAC does appear to be much improved.

Our defensive effort is good, but they are just shooting well. Edit: Western Michigan is on fire. 🔥

In my opinion, the only team undefeated at the end wears black and white stripes.

They would prefer to call it salmon color. Not that it’s any better.

I thought Young was more impactful also.

That’s the Shammah I love. He’s playing great again.

I also think the loss to Miami demoralized some of them and we experienced a hangover effect. Groce won’t put up with that for long. But the Seniors especially know they have squandered a great opportunity.

During the pre-game interview Groce mentioned that Hardman was playing sick vs. Miami. Did Groce say anything more about the Miami game? I turned it on late.

He brought his game today for sure.

You’re absolutely correct the Zips can’t dwell on this so I am more than willing to dwell on their behalf. Go Zips!!

Yes, recently. Compared to earlier this year. He seemed far more engaged and aggressive offensively before. He was almost matching Tavari’s production. Defensively he is still quite active, but increasingly late to his perimeter cover. I don’t know what it is, but it seems to have started with the lineup change. I could be completely wrong.

I have some mixed feelings about that, but I’m going to respectfully disagree. On one hand, Shammah seems to have taken a step back. I wonder how he is with the whole coming off the bench again decision. I think Groce would say it’s less about the starters production (8 pts) and all about the team production (73 pts). It’s true we are still adjusting to the rotation shake up offensively, but we have been a whole lot better on defense lately. I’m so proud of how our guys started the game especially. They defended the perimeter hard and brought a physical edge to them and they appeared to be playing under control to me. At least at the start. I didn’t see much of Halligan (a starter) down the stretch. The intense/physical nature of the game seemed to be too much for him at this point in his development. Yeah, 73 points is 20 points off of our average, but I have to go back to what I said earlier. Getting beat up wears you down and the fatigue affects everything from shots to passes to decision making. Notice Miami was well below their point average also and they benefited from all of those extra free throws. The last game we played that was this physical and slanted was the James Madison road game. I just wonder how coaches keep their players from snapping under those conditions. I remember Nate Johnson would just openly laugh during those games because it can be so ridiculous. And you won’t convince me it’s incompetence.

No shame in this loss. I pray the MAC doesn’t do that to us in March. They don’t like teams going undefeated and they don’t want the same team dominating the MAC Tournament every year either. I almost think it would be easier to play against 6 players than getting bumped and hacked all game long.

Shammah Scott is struggling with defending the arc.

It’s definitely a road game, but a quality match up. Just get the win and I’ll be thrilled. And too many turnovers.

That turned south fast. Ugh!!

We are playing physically today.

Halligan was looking a bit out of sink with that last rotation. He needs to figure it out.

At least he’s getting paid.

Fun game. Good defense so far.

Kansas State is currently playing BYU on CBS for anyone who might want to watch some Nate Johnson.

Knowing how the game ends still didn’t prevent me from stressing for the whole 13 minutes of highlights. But the payoff is so worth it again, thank you!! Our guys had a ton of grit that night. Also, I’m not going to miss Ipsaro this year. Just saying.

The radio. 😬