Illini Zip

The worst part of re-watching the game was listening to the homers talk about M&M’s. It really was 2 games in one. The last 12 minutes might have taken longer to play than the first 28 minutes with all of the stopage. I agree now with others that our half-court defense was very effective. Our problem was in transition. Tavari, who has made great strides was the biggest liability. Somebody needs to stop or at least slow down the Toledo ball handler. Once they get a head of steam Freeman is vulnerable to the floppers. That said, Freeman still got a double-double while spending much of the game on the bench and Dawson played to the standard he set 2 years ago. But this was ultimately Ali’s game. He just can’t give the refs an opportunity to kill our momentum with a technical. That goes for Tavari and Dawson as well. Oh, and breaking the press was a disaster. Painful to re-watch. Bring on CMU. Go Zips!!

MVP!!! MVP!!! MVP!!!

💯 I do remember the 1-3-1 at times, but I think Freeman was already in foul trouble at that point. To your point, our guards need to do a better job of staying with the opposing player driving to the hoop. They need to be a buffer between them and Freeman (or any of our shot blockers). We have depth at guard. We can afford fouls to rack up on our guards if necessary. Let Freeman, Ali, Hunter, whomever jump and swat from a step behind the action.

I agree, getting back on defense in time was a problem also.

I’m going to rewatch this game without my emotions involved. Toledo had success driving into the lane like a heat seeking missile, drawing contact and throwing the ball up while flopping. It worked, the refs gave them that all game. Except for one time when Rique stepped out of the way and the Toledo player crashed to the ground. One of my favorite moments. Ha!! Anyway, we were caught off guard more than a few times. They are fast. So I’m thinking the Zips should go with a box and one zone since they only have one good perimeter shooter. I have a feeling we will see them a couple more times this season.

Time to work on breaking a press.

Stressful ending, but we beat that damn Toledo team!!

Toledo is sure doing their share of flopping.

Close, he came in at 12:38.

The announcers said that Dawson wanted a rebound more. So there’s that.

Also, watching from home it didn’t look like Ali said anything on that technical. He was doing the zipper motion across his mouth. Does that merit a technical? I agree with Groce, just be consistent.

All of those post up skills Ali learned 2 years ago came in handy with Freeman on the bench. Very effective in the paint.

Dawson came to play tonight.

Bonnies lost by 5.

Bonnies are playing (21) Dayton close on the road.

So are we thinking this lead is safe? I don't know anymore. Ha!!

You might be right, but I am keeping faith that it will happen one day.

I too have concerns with Dawson's play. Not sure what the answer is. He seems uncomfortable, stressed or frustrated. Something is just off for him this year. Tavari is slowly progressing, but I'm not sure he should be back as a starter either.

That Anderson Mirambeaux is mind boggling. He looks like a Center in football, not basketball. And a french fry away from a heart attack. But he has skills and is effective. I know we had interest in him at one point. It will be interesting to see what Groce has to say about him.

Damn!! That sucks. We need to learn from this one. Miami did some things very good against us. Just couldn't get over the hump today. And such a promising start too.

Need to hit our free throws.

Tavari got away with a walk.

Me too.

Oy vey!!