Illinois vs. Kansas

Illinois vs. Kansas

Tonight @ 7:30

I was a bit nervous as Illinois matched up against UNLV for the tip-off Friday night. The camera zoomed in, and I could see that Senior Mike Tisdale towered over Quintrell Thomas and won the opening tip. I felt a bit better, and then I felt ecstatic when Illinois came out firing and went on a 15-0 run midway through the first – would it last. From there, the Illini didn’t take their foot off the gas. Even at half time, when we were up 46-24, there were plenty of nervous Illini fans who were not going to celebrate until the final buzzer sounded. I put a bet down with the bouncer who was giving our group of Illini fans a hard time, and he was ready to pay up at intermission. There was no I was going to jinx us by collecting the bet before the game was over.

Rock Chalk Upset Hawk!

Last year, Kansas was in a similar position to where they are for tonight’s game. Playing as a number 1 seed, the Jayhawks lost a nail biter to Northern Iowa 69-67. Aside from losing to Northern Iowa, there are a few other upset losses that Bill $elf would like to forget:

There was 2005 when 14 seed Bucknell defeated KU 64-63.

Then again in 2006, number 13 Bradley pulled off the upset over KU 77-73.

Illini fans around the world are hoping to add to $elf’s growing list of choke jobs tonight. Kansas strength is their front court with twins Marcus and Markieff Morris contributing 31 points and 16 rebounds combined per game. KU runs a 4 out 1 in offense where they run a few picks to start their set, but end with one of the Morris brothers in the post and the rest of the team lining the perimeter, working the ball inside. Constant ball reversals in this set can lead to an open dunk. Tisdale and Mike Davis will have to be quick and tall in order to avoid being beat on a weak side entry pass. Likewise, the perimeter defense must cut off the passing lanes to prevent an easy basket.

Just like Wayne McClain had the inside scoop on Lon Krueger’s playbook, he will have a similar perspective on $elf’s habits tonight. McClain was an assistant coach with $elf and even planned on joining him at Kansas before he had a change of heart.

Scouting aside, we all know that Illinois goes how Dimitri McCamey goes. Illinois is 15-0 when McCamey has 7 assists or more. McCamey had the ball on a string Friday night, and he was all the more effective because his teammates were knocking down shots. Freshman Jereme Richmond would be a big help in this game, but we have no idea if he is going to play or not - so it is up to the seniors. A scary thought, but I think they are going to step up they was they did on Friday.

Illinois – 67

Upset Hawks – 66

Sincerely,

Lou Henson – The only former Illini Coach not in our bracket.

IGP Tourney Coverage: Illinois vs. The Runnin' Tarkanians

Tonight @ 8:20.

Watching games all day. Give me a ring if you want to come out.

We'll most likely end up watching the Illini at Wrightwood Tap.

By the grace of God, or the mediocrity of the rest of college basketball, our Fighting Illini somehow managed to make the NCAA tournament this year. Many of us didn’t think they would get in based on their 6-10 record since January 11. But now that their in, I know that most of you have them Final 4 bound…or at the very least, getting by UNLV tonight. I don’t blame you, we’re Illini fans, and we have it in our blood.

March is the holiest of holies for me, and for the 5^th straight, I’ll be taking the day off with several friends to watch basketball all day and drink beer. Because the Illini don’t play until 8:30, we’ll have to pace ourselves better than we have in the past. I may do some Twitter today – follow me at netter01.

Coaches of the Past

The Illini play former head coach Lon Kruger and his UNLV Running Rebels tonight. Kruger was the head coach for 3 years while I was at Illinois. A major difference between Kruger and Weber is that Kruger runs a lot of set plays, whereas most of Illinois’ points these days come from a set offense. Running set plays is something that Weber should take notes on because when the Illini go for days without scoring at the end of regulation, set plays can help break the drought. Do you remember Cory Bradford? Bradford had great success at Illinois because Kruger ran so many plays for him.

Sergio McClain is another former Illini who played under Kruger. Sergio recently sat down with his dad, Assistant Coach Wayne McClain, to watch some footage “It's really interesting because Sergio and I have been watching a lot of tape," Wayne McClain said Tuesday. "Sergio's watching it and knows the names of what Kruger is doing offensively. He actually recognized some of (the plays and sets). He gave me names." That should help. (Klee - http://www.illinihq.com/news/2011/03/15/man_in_the_middle_mcclain_binds_three_staffs/)

The Rebs have a fairly short lineup with the tallest player coming in at 6’8”. Tisdale and Davis need to control the boards for the Illini win. The Rebels also have a balanced scoring attack so there is no one player to key in on. Though, Tre’Von Willis is a 6’4” senior and leader of this club.

It’s been some time since the Illini claimed victory in the Big Dance. Let’s do it boys.

Illinois – 67

Rebelious – 63