Illini Zip

I just want to caution against looking at the final foul tally in the box score. It doesn’t always tell the story of the game. The type and timing of the foul is how refs manage the game. This game was pretty close throughout, but in my opinion by the second half this game should have been played between a 10-20 point advantage for the Zips. Central Michigan was allowed a lot more hand-checking and body contact leading to bad shots and turnovers. That’s why I keep on Tavari to get physically stronger. He will not get any help on the road when the opponents rake his arms. We should have had many “and one” opportunities in this game. Scott was given a dead ball foul when he should have went to the line. And that half-court violation at the end is caused by the refs allowing physical play by the defense. It’s harder to protect and advance the ball when you know the opponent has been allowed to rape you all game. Understanding these things and being able to play through them on the road will make this team all the more dangerous come March.

I’m thinking our transfers from other leagues; Wilson, Gray, Okonkwo and Hardman are wondering what the hell was that? That was some special road treatment they were served up tonight. I’m proud of them. Sure, they could have helped themselves a bit more down the stretch, but they didn’t crack and got the dub.

ROAD KILL!! Kiss my butt MAC refs!!

Scott and Gray both dunking tonight. Our guards got hops.

Nice strong put back by Okonkwo.

We can’t rest on our laurels. Other teams are getting better with every game as well. If we can complement this offense with some solid Zfence I think we have something special.

NIU is a suitcase school with very little campus life.

Only the Enrique 2.0 that is playing with the Pacers/Ants. He’s added to his skill set. He drives to the hoop more and shoots the three better. He has always had the motor to play at this pace. I just think he would be an absolute nightmare with this team because nobody could double or triple team him. If they did, these shooters would make them pay.

I completely agree. I know you already have the answer, but I will say it anyway. A 2 or 3 win run in the NCAAT will get the attention of every sports-minded person in NEOhio. Do it twice and you’re all of a sudden cool and filling the JAR.

How good looking is the softball team?

With as many Zips that are dealing with injuries and sickness, I would consider giving some guys 2 days of rest.

As a fan, I’m exhausted and feel like I earned more than a Quad 4 win.

Are we slow to the ball or is it bouncing their way? They are getting plenty of second chance opportunities.

He says “run and gun”, but I prefer my own phrase…Zip & Rip!!

How about they learn to finish games out strong without peeing on the electric fence.

I think of the SEC as a football conference except for Kentucky and sometimes Florida. Right now they have 9 teams in the AP Top 25. Impressive.

I’m surprised that our road win at Kent State (5-5 in the MAC) is now a Quad 2 win.

I guess anything is possible, but our only shot at Quad 1 or 2 wins was the non-conference. And I watched Akron slide back a few spots on Kenpom because we only beat NIU on the road by 10 points. That’s how far the MAC has fallen.

We would have had to sweep our non-conference, especially St.Mary’s to even have a chance. No, we’re not even close to that.

At least we weren’t shut out in the non-conference.

I hope Young is going to be alright.

Groce was hot during that timeout.

That must have hurt. Did he help you up off the ground?

Yeah, I still have my doubts about this Freeman guy making it. 😉

I agree, Miami is probably the better team. But I don’t like the matchup with Sparks. He’s a load.