Tonight feels like a pretty big game for Illinois

[NUCat320]

I've hardly seen them play at all, but the 10 or so minutes I did see were them scoring something like 20 straight points to send the Michigan game to overtime, then shut them out in the extra session.

Since then, it's been three losses - Wisconsin, MSU, Iowa. Their remaining schedule is NU, Nebraska, Purdue - all winnable, they would think.

So the question, with Illinois on the bubble, is whether they're fading, in a rough stretch, or have played well against teams that played better.

Realistically, I have no idea.

I think the Cats win tonight.

 

[pawildcat]

I actually think they play better without Rice. Their ball movement on O was much better when he was out.

 

[Medill90]

It'll be a very tough game for the cats to win.

Illinois will be home on a Saturday and that's going to feel much better than at Iowa mid week.

Illinois has three or four guys on the court who can put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop. And they are excellent three point shooters.

If I'm Groce I push it inside and try to get Olah in foul trouble. And I run up and down and try to get into the bonus.

If the cats can slow it down and stay out of foul trouble -- and continue to shoot like they have been -- they have a chance.

Look for Tap to put up more shots than is his norm. If they go in or don't will make the difference.

 

[ColumbusCatFan1]

Tonight is a big game for the 'Cats too

If NU has any aspirations of playing in the NIT, tonight is almost a must win. With a winnable game with vs Michigan on the horizon, a 2-1 finish and a strong showing in Chicago would give them a chance come late on selection Sunday. Taking one (if not 2) of the remaining road games is a must.