Illinois vs. Wisky

Illinois vs. Wisconsin
Tonight, 8 p.m.

The Illini Game Preview (IGP) uses the same format for every issue. First, I tell a funny story, make fun of the opposing team's players/coaches, or rant about something that seemingly has nothing to do w/basketball. Then I breakdown our opponent - their strengths and their weakness. I tell you how we are going to beat them. And finally, I write about what we need to do to win. The IGP is comforting to the Illini Nation, like a knit afghan or a cup of soup when its cold outside. Well not today! There will be no bullsh!t leads or comedic anecdotes to loosen you up for this game. The Illini will be taken out of their comfort zone tonight at the Kohl Center, and I must do the same for you. Let's cut to the quick.

A Streak Will End Tonight

The Badgers bring a 38 home game winning streak into tonight's meeting w/the Fighting Illini. The Kohl Center has garnered a near mythic reputation from the media in the week leading up to this game. Bo Ryan is 53-2 in his first four seasons at Wisky, and the 17,142 fans w/tickets to tonight's game are dying to reach 54. I attended the Illinois-Kansas Sweet Sixteen Game in 2002, and my favorite characteristic of the stadium was its short walk from a healthy Madison bar scene. You better believe that the Grateful Red student section will stop for some liquid libations on their way from the dorms to the Kohl. Be on the lookout for three scantily clad UW co-eds in the front row. They get more TV time during stoppages in play than the ESPN announcers.

One of the biggest reasons for the Badgers success under Bo Ryan is their patience. They work for high percentage shots deep into the possession. Kind of like the way Muhammad Ali let his opponents punch themselves out as he played possum against the ropes, Wisconsin makes you work defensively and demoralizes you as soon as you let your guard down. The pace of this game is priority number one for the Illini. If you're ordering your third beer by the first TV timeout, then we will be OK. (There is a direct correlation between the pace of the game and how quickly you drink your beer. I've studied the phenomenon in great detail.)

Senior Wisconsin Forward Mike Wilkenson (6'8" 240) is the present day Brian Cardinal. They have a similar style of play and similar records against the Illini. Wilkenson (14.3 ppg 7.4 rpg) is a skilled PF who has great range and uses positioning to score in the post. He presents a slight match up problem for us because our big men do not defend well out on the perimeter.

Alando Tucker (6'5" 205) is the Badgers sensational sophomore who averages 14.7 ppg and buries the three-ball at a 38% clip. Tucker broke Michael Finley's vertical leap record as a Freshman; the kid owns a 40 inch vertical and plays well above the rim. He scares me the most. Tucker broke his ankle last season and injuries have hampered his play this year to date. He's a tough kid so I do not see his injuries playing a factor. PG Shariff Chambliss (6'1" 180) transferred from Penn State last season and is the Badgers third option. He is a dead-eye from three-point range, so whoever is defending him will not help on defense if another Badger breaks into the lane.

I circled two games before the season started that would be good indicators of how far this team can go come March. We already proved ourselves at home against Wake Forest, but tonight will show this teams true character. On Thursday, Iowa's shot blockers really changed the game as Roger Powell and James Augustine combined for 3 of 21 shooting. Confidence is key for each player, and I think Coach Bruce Weber will draw up some plays to give Roger and James a few early points and get them going from the start.

Luther Head has been the Illini's most consistent player to date, and he is my Prime Performer for tonight. If he is shooting well from the perimeter, then the lane will open up from his unorthodox pump fake. He is our best slasher, and we are going to need some penetration against Wisky's physical defense. Luther is playing like an All-American, and a good performance tonight will solidify his spot among the nations elite college basketball players.

Illinois - 78
Wisconsin - 75


Sincerely,

The Winning Streaks