Illini Zip

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. 😬

Does Micah Young (Tai Perkins brother) look to be a D1 or D2 talent? He’s having a good game.

How does our defensive effort look to those in attendance tonight?

I would stick with the new rotation. At least for now. I don’t trust that the new defensive effort is here to stay just yet.

Miami loses a starter for the season, but is now up to 6 votes on the AP Poll. I just don’t get it.

I realize we are well into the season so a single game isn’t going to move the Kenpom needle drastically, but we scored right around our average and did much better on defense yet our ORtg ticked up a couple spots and our DRtg didn’t move at all. 🧐 🤔 😔

I was listening to the game while driving which can be distracting enough. Reading and responding to Zips Nation wasn’t prudent. But I don’t know what everyone else’s excuse is, shame!! Ha!! Great effort and response to the defensive challenge. Keep it going. Go Zips!!

Barre out for at least a couple of weeks.

You had me until American women.

I will try…Halligan brings defensive understanding and effort. We have plenty of offense right now. We need to figure out how to stop teams. Or maybe Groce is sending the team a message???