Cardinal Sins Of The 2009-10 Illini

In discussing the NCAA Tournament chances of various bubble teams with my advisors this morning, I came to the following conclusion:

I can really only speak to the Illini, who made two cardinal sins this season:

1. they lost to Utah and Bradley in Vegas over Thanksgiving; and
2. needing one more win over the last three weeks of the season, they were blown out three times at home to OSU, Wiscy and Minny.

They don't deserve any favors for that performance.

Oh man, the Illini need to win against Wisconsin on Friday.

The Illini Don't Get The Win They Needed

Horrible, horrible game.

The Illini Need Another Win

Hey Bill Cole,

How about leading the Illini to a win over Wisconsin today?

You know, Peoria Richwoods style.

Best,
Bevormo

Illinois Loss To OSU Isn't A Good Thing

Yeah kid, that's how I felt after the Illini loss to Ohio St. last night.

Sconnie game this weekend is a must win.

McCamey v. Turner: Cage Match

Oh man, that was a choice win over Wisconsin last Tuesday. Bo Ryan's squad had never lost a home game to an unranked team during his tenure. Not only that, he's now only lost 6 home games to Big Ten teams in 10 years - 3 of those losses have been to the Illini.

Our boy Demetri was once again a huge part of the Illini victory. He was 11-17 from the field for 27 points, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. He added 7 assists because, at bottom, he is a generous guy.

Today will be an equally dangerous test for the Illini. McCamey will lead the Illini against his old high school cohort, and current National Player of the Year Candidate, Evan Turner.

No doubt Evan Turner is strong with the force, but McCamey has been an absolue Jedi lately.

Tip-off in Champaign in about 5 minutes.

Paging Jack Ingram

Anytime the Illini travel to the Kohl Center to take on the Badgers, I am reminded of Jack Ingram's clutch performance on January 25, 2005.

Sconnie had won 38 straight at the Kohl Center when the 19-0 Illini rolled into town. The Badgers were ranked #10 in the country with a roster of the likes of Ray Nixon, Sharif Chambliss, Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor. They even led midway through the second half.

Enter Jack Ingram who drained two clutch threes (one with 8:19 to go, the other 4o seconds later) to give the Illini the lead for good. Jimmy Augustine, Luther Head and the boys would lead the way in finishing off the Badgers improving the Illini to 20-0 on the season.

Tonight's game may even have higher stakes. After Saturday night's huge win over Michigan St., the Illini need at least one more impressive victory to cement their tourney status. While they have a few more shots to pick up that win (Wisconsin at home, Ohio St. twice and at Purdue), a win tonight would be some kind of nice.

Let's get it dun, Illini.

What Happened In the Game?

I was stuck at work all night and haven't watched the Illini-Wisconsin game. Shockingly I managed to keep from learning the score while I toiled away doing the Man's work. On my way home now to watch the game on DVR.

Because I have nothing better to do at 2 AM on a weeknight.

[Update - 3:09 PM EST 2/6/09: That game was so not worth staying up until 4:30 AM sober to watch.]