Illini Zip

Don't forget about Kreed5120 from his bleacher seat.

And this is why I have a level of confidence and understanding of Groce's system and coaching style. The man actually teaches the fan base along the way. After a few years of post-game interviews, you too can be as obnoxious as me.

Steve French isn't happy with the refs either. The Utomi foul was just ridiculous. Buffalo was the better team tonight, but I agree with Zipsrule that we are not far off from Buffalo's level.

Talking about the foul on Banks?

Somebody tie Buffalo's shoe-laces together. I'm exhausted just watching.

E-man did look to be set on that screen.

I can add to this. When Groce landed in Illinois, the 7 foot center Meyers Leonard decided to go pro. Meyers would have been a junior and averaged 13 pts/game his sophomore year, but he was not even close to a finished product. However, nobody could blame Meyers for leaving because he ended up being a first round pick in the NBA draft and his Mom needed lots of medical help. So getting paid was a high priority. But by him leaving, Illinois had a huge whole in the roster which Groce had to try to patch with a grad transfer. Years later Meyers Leonard was coming around the practice facility. I guess no harm, no foul. Personally, I thought not only would one more year at Illinois help his fellow teammates make a run in the tourney, the added experience at that level would have done wonders for Meyer's confidence and footwork development. Anyway, Groce has a healthy attitude towards these kinds of situations and he's a long-term relationship builder.

And if my memory serves me right, we gave Nevada all they could handle for most of the game. That day is coming, why not Tuesday. Go Zips!!

Aren't you the clever one.

We just moved up to the #24 defense on Kenpom.

Akron fans picked a good game to fill the JAR.

Cheese needs to add just one more inch to his vertical in the off-season.

It's a grudge match alright. Two teams exchanging blows. It would be nice to have an inside presence, but our guards are playing aggressive with active hands on defense leading to some fast breaks. Nice to see.

Riak sure doesn't look to score at all. Someone on here said it's like a hot potato to him. So true.

Road kill.

Here comes the treacherous road 2nd half. Let's get'r done!!

I would think so, signing day was November 14th, 2018.

I think this is great news. If the MAC can hover around the top quarter of the conferences it should lead to better recruiting for the whole league. Granted Buffalo will come down to earth next year, but hopefully this is a sign of good times ahead for the MAC. Where has the MAC usually ranked in the past?

It would appear we Zips fans needed a bye-week as well.

I think Groce said on the postgame show he was going to give the guys a couple days off to decompress for a bit before focusing on Ohio. I agree, the rest mentally and physically should help them at this point in the season.

Indeed. We are up to 43rd best defense on Kenpom.

39th ranked offense. German is impossible to guard.

14 points for Utomi, so I think that counts as a bounce back.

NIU did just hit like 4 threes down the stretch and we don't want to foul a shooter from beyond the arc. But you are correct, that was too close.