Illinois vs. the Mildcats

Today @ 2 pm

Thursday’s win over MSU was huge for the Illini this season.  It was our second win over top 10 teams and it brings our record to 3-1 against the AP top 25.  I believe our spot in the tournament is secure (barring an absolute implosion), and the month of February will be all about how we improve and where we finish in the Big 10.

I heard a lot of complaints about the MSU game.  “It was low scoring.” “They couldn’t rebound.”  “I’ve never felt less excited about a win over a top 10 team.”  Although the last comment cracked me up, I was encouraged by Saturday’s effort.  We battled, we scrapped, we got floor burns, and we even inflicted some pain (Tracy Abrams).  Brandon Paul’s confidence is skyrocketing.  He leads the team in points (15ppg) and assists (2apg) and is second in rebounds (5.1rpg).  He is taking the ball to the rim with authority, and he is shooting well from behind the arc.  Tracy Abrams is another player gaining confidence.  He had a huge 3 against MSU, and he is much more comfortable handling the rock.   

The Illini play a much tougher schedule in February - four of our last nine games are against ranked opponents.  I am confident that the Illini will finish strong and end up third in the Big Ten.  We need to get behind them the rest of the way.

Mildcats

Let’s be honest.  Every year, the Big Ten Network talks about how this year will be the first year that Northwestern makes the tournament.  This is the equivalent of saying that Nick Smith or Mike Tisdale bulked up in the off-season.  It sounds possible…until you start thinking about it.  Even if the Big 10 automatically starts Northwestern at 3-0 to start the conference play, they will never make the tournament.  Let’s stop kidding ourselves.

In the first match-up, the Illini turned back a furious comeback by the Cats thanks to a timely free throw from Myke Henry and a huge block by big man Meyers Leonard.  Northwestern had a woeful shooting night - 36% from the field and 28% behind the arc.  Also, NU’s top slasher, Drew Crawford, was terrible.  He only scored 8 points - 10 short of his season average. 

Northwestern’s ever changing defenses will give us trouble in spurts, but as long as they stay man for most of the game, we should be OK.  DJ Richardson has been quiet lately.  He is bound for a big a game.  Also, Meyers Leonard must dominate the interior and the boards today.  Meyers, channel your Justin Tuck.

Pats – 24

G-Men – 28

Illini – 63

Mildcats – 54

Sincerely,

David Diehl and Steve Weatherford