Illini Zip

And most of them are good looks. They are just not falling.

They are taking advantage of our turnovers too.

Let's go Zips!!

Random observation: The Ball State cardinal logo is just weird.

No doubt Ivey had a great game, but I bet that missed monster dunk off the Cotton feed is eating at him just a little bit.

Damn, I didn't get to see that or any of the 2nd OT. It's a good thing you all type the play by play highlights. I set my Direct TV to record an extra 1/2 hour, but they wasted so much time messing with the game clock and then double OT?! Ugh!! That will learn me.

I'm bummed for you guys. We need to light a fire under them again. I will do my part from over here by singing this classic chant. "R...O...W, D...I...E That's the way we spell Rowdie, Rowdie. Let's get Rowdie! (Boom, Boom, Boom)"

I'm sorry if I hit a sore spot.

Did they graduate? What happened to them?

No truer words have ever been spoken. And they are spoken by every fan base in the nation.

BREAKING NEWS: ILLINOIS FINALLY WINS A CONFERENCE GAME! IT TURNS OUT ILLINOIS CAN'T GIVE A GAME AWAY IF INDIANA ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH TO TAKE IT.

Oh, I hate to disappoint you NWAkron, but the library of Grocisms is quite large and always open for business. And you will get to know them all by heart. This is the way he chooses to communicate. It's effective, but sometimes a little quirky. Illinois now has a coach who breaks clipboards and kicks garage cans across the locker room to get his point across. Pick your poison I guess. Last year Groce was mocked at Illinois for having an actual ladder in the practice facility with the final 6 or 7 games posted on each step just so the team would focus on that next game. I see why some people thought it was juvenile and gimmicky, even beneath the dignity of a proud program, but I also know that it almost worked. We came a 3-pointer at Rutgers away of getting an NCAA at-large bid and saving his job. The local sports media was just brutal. Only a few games into conference play they were writing off the Illini and packing Groce's boxes. The media actually became a self-fulling prophesy. They decided amongst themselves that it was time for a change and they created a stressful climate which made the team play tight, shoot like crap and lose. Then they would write about how much they suck and Groce sucks and on and on. Groce's stupid ladder idea almost over-came a deficiency at point guard and a media determined to write their own story. (Now that same media gets to write about a team that is 0-8 in the B1G.) But yes, he is worth a few chuckles for sure.

This is the problem I look forward to next year. All of these guys have a big off-season ahead of them in the gym and the weight room. Hopefully, E-man will be cleared in time to participate. I am very impressed with Kostelac's base. For a guy his size he has great balance. He's going to be an earth mover. Riak is an unknown, but I am hoping he can run and jump. If Riak can run the break, rim protect and dunk he will be fine at either the 4 or 5. Anything more than that is a bonus.

One year at Illinois we were down so many players Groce had to suit up one of our team managers. The manager was actually honored on Senior night with the other players. So Groce knows how to get the most out of a very short bench. I am hoping he is able to put all of that crap in the rear-view mirror starting next year. Also, it will be nice to get Sayles back here soon.

Big steps tonight for Kostelac.

Cotton, air slaps at the line. Nice.

Groce put Utomi on Block. Great call.

Kostelac...big effort!!!

Okay, I don't like Gavin Block.

Looking good. I am liking the improved movement. And it will get much faster in time. They just need to learn to allow the pick to get set before they take off. Often the blame for a moving pick is the fault of the guy with the ball.

Let's Go Zips!!

Apparently, not. Yes. Four. Top Four. First Round which includes the bottom 8 teams are played at the universities. Rounds 2-4 in Cleveland. Anything else that I'm missing?

Anyone willing to educate a MAC novice? Does every team make the MAC Tourney? How many days/games to win it all? How many get to sit out with a bye? It appears some games are played at the universities and some are played in Cleveland, is that correct?

I like seeing Clark's optimism shine through. The bottom of the middle does sound better than the top of the bottom, right?!