Friday, February 13, 2015

Rapid Reaction: Illini Storm Back To Stun Michigan

Wasn't it nice to be on the other end of one of those games where a team completely falls apart, opening the door for an exciting finish?
The Illinois Fighting Illini had been on too many of the wrong end of that scenario, being the team that fell apart. Thursday night, with about five minutes to play in the game, Illinois found their groove and their rhythm, stormed back to completely stun Michigan and put a dagger into the NCAA  tournament hopes of the Wolverines.

Of course we all know Ray Rice came back, and while his impact was statistically minimal, he played a huge role in keeping Michigan from keeping possession with under 10-seconds to play in the game, and forced a huge turnover that eventually forced the game into overtime. 
Despite being down only two at the half, I thought Illinois should have been ahead. Until about the six minute mark, Malcolm Hill really struggled and early in the game Illinois missed a lot of good looks (I should have modified the tweet above to "good looks" instead of "easy looks") along with several others, but I took note of Hill because he is usually very good at mid-range when open.

I know John Groce loves Maverick Morgan, but how much longer are we going to be subject to watching him overplay on the perimeter and have guys his size drive right passed him? He's slow on his feet, has bad footwork with guys driving the baseline, and for a seven-footer, I've never seen someone so soft finishing at the rim and protecting the rim.

About a month ago I speculated Austin Colbert would transfer because of playing time. Colbert has played well the past two or three games, and personally I think he's played himself past  Morgan, but he won't see a lot of floor time because he's not a seven-footer. Unfortunate if you ask me.
I know we all get tired of hearing about how bad Ahmad Starks is, so I won't wear that argument out.



Last one, I promise...

Taking note of Hill's struggles was something I did a lot, but it was his turnaround and a couple plays by my boy Kendrick Nunn that turned the tide for the Illini.

(Should read "Let's finish this boys")... Typing in a hurry and my ass half off the couch wasn't easy.


And did they do just that, what a finish from the State Farm Center in front of the biggest crowd in it's history.


This was posted with Illinois down five and at that point where Starks was at the line for the two free throws.

Final thoughts from Thursday night.


At 7-5 in the Big Ten, Illinois goes to Madison, WI to take on the fifth ranked Badgers, then play three of their last five at home, which is nice because of the four of five on the road they started the conference slate with.

Having Michigan State and Nebraska at home are huge for Illinois, but Purdue is playing well and Iowa will have a lot to play for when they host Illinois Feb. 25. Iowa right there on the bubble and will need an important home win over Illinois that night.

I will be curious to see how the Illini respond this Sunday afternoon against Wisconsin. Illinois used a lot of energy on the comeback and it's a short turnaround.

Does a potential win against Wisconsin officially punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament?
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