Thoughts on beating Illinois.....

[Hawkman34]

I freaking HATE that team....but I have TONS of respect for them. They are playing the best of ANY team in the nation, even the Zags if you consider the competition. I want so bad to have the Hawks beat them today, but I truly believe it will be an uphill battle. But, here are just a few things I think need to happen.....and yep.....I know some of these are just "duh" things.....but still.

DON'T START SLOOOOW - Nothing much to added to this statement. Just, don't get in a big hole out of the gate.

DON'T BE AFRAID to use the Zone defense just a little more against them. This is just to keep them honest. They have the best guards in the BIG and they can all beat our kids (except for maybe Joe T.) off the dribble and get to the hoop.

MAKE AYO GO LEFT FOR CRIPES SAKE!!!! - He is a supreme talent for sure, but in the last 4 games that I have watched him play, he basically only gets to the rim going to the right (Yep, I know this has been talked about). Yesterday, the Rutgers guys who were guarding him, went for his juke move to the left and got burned when Ayo did what he does 95% of the time.....went to his right. I remember thinking, "Just let him shake and bake all he wants and play for the move to the right!".

STOP FRASIER - This guy seems to light the Hawks up when he plays us. So, stop him and Ayo and we are much better shape.

LUKA MUST BE LUKA against Kofi. I don't care what anyone says, The way Kofi plays, he should foul out of almost EVERY game he plays in. Luke just needs to work him over inside and get him in foul trouble. Now, Kofi is a MUCH better defender then he was last year, so it isn't a walk in the park that Luka can do this......but lets hope.

HITTING OUR 3'S IS PARAMOUNT - Again, I know this is a "duh" thing, but if we can't hit our threes.....we are toast. You can beat a team like Sconny with a bad night like that...but not the Illini

FRAN....PLEASE USE YOUR TIMEOUTS EFFECTIVLY - There have been times this year when we have seen teams go on a run and I am PARYING to see Fran use a timeout.....only to see him hold onto it to long. Illinois can go on these MASSIVE, QUICK runs (just like the Hawks), and it is imperative that Frans stems the tide sooner rather then later.

GO HAWKS!!!!

 

[drew_hawk]

Win or lose, I think the fact that we've played multiple games this season against 1-seed caliber teams is going to prove extremely valuable next week. And, if we are able to somehow pull off W's both today and tomorrow, then we too should join those ranks!

 

[HFFL64]

Hawkeye's are going to slaughter them, by 2 in OT.

 

[sbhawk64]

We will have to bring "A" game and including close to 50% from three point line to beat them. Illinois game yesterday was one of the most impressive Ive seen this year.

 

[Booty Maximus]

Hey, when did you guys start playing defense anyway? Throwing off my narratives....

 

[SotaHawk87]

Hawkeye's are going to slaughter them, by 2 in OT.

My heart wouldn’t make it to tomorrow

 

[bumper52]

If the Illini play like last night, we could be in for a long afternoon.

 

[Moral]

If the Illini play like last night, we could be in for a long afternoon.

They got a ton of offensive boards and points in the paint. They won't be able to use the same game plan they did against Rutgers. They can certainly win plenty if ways though. Should be a tough game.

 

[luvmyhawks]

If the Illini play like last night, we could be in for a long afternoon.

No doubt. Illinois is playing at a very high level right now. Iowa is going to have to play their best game of the year to win this one. With no pressure, Iowa can do it. looking forward to it. Gonna be fun.

 

[fezzador]

Iowa has to make more than 10% of its 3 point attempts. Probably 40%.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I freaking HATE that team....but I have TONS of respect for them. They are playing the best of ANY team in the nation, even the Zags if you consider the competition. I want so bad to have the Hawks beat them today, but I truly believe it will be an uphill battle. But, here are just a few things I think need to happen.....and yep.....I know some of these are just "duh" things.....but still.

DON'T START SLOOOOW - Nothing much to added to this statement. Just, don't get in a big hole out of the gate.

DON'T BE AFRAID to use the Zone defense just a little more against them. This is just to keep them honest. They have the best guards in the BIG and they can all beat our kids (except for maybe Joe T.) off the dribble and get to the hoop.

MAKE AYO GO LEFT FOR CRIPES SAKE!!!! - He is a supreme talent for sure, but in the last 4 games that I have watched him play, he basically only gets to the rim going to the right (Yep, I know this has been talked about). Yesterday, the Rutgers guys who were guarding him, went for his juke move to the left and got burned when Ayo did what he does 95% of the time.....went to his right. I remember thinking, "Just let him shake and bake all he wants and play for the move to the right!".

STOP FRASIER - This guy seems to light the Hawks up when he plays us. So, stop him and Ayo and we are much better shape.

LUKA MUST BE LUKA against Kofi. I don't care what anyone says, The way Kofi plays, he should foul out of almost EVERY game he plays in. Luke just needs to work him over inside and get him in foul trouble. Now, Kofi is a MUCH better defender then he was last year, so it isn't a walk in the park that Luka can do this......but lets hope.

HITTING OUR 3'S IS PARAMOUNT - Again, I know this is a "duh" thing, but if we can't hit our threes.....we are toast. You can beat a team like Sconny with a bad night like that...but not the Illini

FRAN....PLEASE USE YOUR TIMEOUTS EFFECTIVLY - There have been times this year when we have seen teams go on a run and I am PARYING to see Fran use a timeout.....only to see him hold onto it to long. Illinois can go on these MASSIVE, QUICK runs (just like the Hawks), and it is imperative that Frans stems the tide sooner rather then later.

GO HAWKS!!!!

Yeah we need to not let Trent Frazier be a bas***d and drain 3s left and right.

Limit him and force others to beat you........besides Cockburn and Dosunmu, of course. Limiting them too would be greatly appreciated, though.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

DON'T BE AFRAID to use the Zone defense just a little more against them. This is just to keep them honest. They have the best guards in the BIG and they can all beat our kids (except for maybe Joe T.) off the dribble and get to the hoop.

Fran took the blame in the post Wisconsin game interview last night saying " I lost the Illinois game by playing too much zone. "

 

[General Tso]

I freaking HATE that team....but I have TONS of respect for them. They are playing the best of ANY team in the nation, even the Zags if you consider the competition. I want so bad to have the Hawks beat them today, but I truly believe it will be an uphill battle. But, here are just a few things I think need to happen.....and yep.....I know some of these are just "duh" things.....but still.

DON'T START SLOOOOW - Nothing much to added to this statement. Just, don't get in a big hole out of the gate.

DON'T BE AFRAID to use the Zone defense just a little more against them. This is just to keep them honest. They have the best guards in the BIG and they can all beat our kids (except for maybe Joe T.) off the dribble and get to the hoop.

MAKE AYO GO LEFT FOR CRIPES SAKE!!!! - He is a supreme talent for sure, but in the last 4 games that I have watched him play, he basically only gets to the rim going to the right (Yep, I know this has been talked about). Yesterday, the Rutgers guys who were guarding him, went for his juke move to the left and got burned when Ayo did what he does 95% of the time.....went to his right. I remember thinking, "Just let him shake and bake all he wants and play for the move to the right!".

STOP FRASIER - This guy seems to light the Hawks up when he plays us. So, stop him and Ayo and we are much better shape.

LUKA MUST BE LUKA against Kofi. I don't care what anyone says, The way Kofi plays, he should foul out of almost EVERY game he plays in. Luke just needs to work him over inside and get him in foul trouble. Now, Kofi is a MUCH better defender then he was last year, so it isn't a walk in the park that Luka can do this......but lets hope.

HITTING OUR 3'S IS PARAMOUNT - Again, I know this is a "duh" thing, but if we can't hit our threes.....we are toast. You can beat a team like Sconny with a bad night like that...but not the Illini

FRAN....PLEASE USE YOUR TIMEOUTS EFFECTIVLY - There have been times this year when we have seen teams go on a run and I am PARYING to see Fran use a timeout.....only to see him hold onto it to long. Illinois can go on these MASSIVE, QUICK runs (just like the Hawks), and it is imperative that Frans stems the tide sooner rather then later.

GO HAWKS!!!!

You forgot the most important, but often overlooked key to the game. Score more points than them.

 

[Hawksfor3]

My heart wouldn’t make it to tomorrow

Heck, I thought I'd have a stroke yesterday.

 

[BioHawk]

If the Illini play like last night, we could be in for a long afternoon.

If Iowa shoots like they did last night it will be a long afternoon.

 

[kwik44]

Fran took the blame in the post Wisconsin game interview last night saying " I lost the Illinois game by playing too much zone. "

Still have tremors of yelling at the TV that game. Essentially gifting them 3 after 3.

 

[BirdistheWord]

+Keegan
+JT
+Perkins

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

I think Illinois has a shot at a natty this year. They're that good. This is not a good matchup for Iowa. Illinois is very athletic and a complete team. Iowa doesn't have the athletes to compete with their backcourt. Hope I'm wrong.

Maybe Perkins and Ulis will get some minutes today due to the starters logging big minutes last night. I do know Keegan better get more than fifteen minutes today.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

If Iowa shoots like they did last night it will be a long afternoon.

Iowa's only real shot is to get hot from deep.

 

[jthawk]

If the Illini play like last night, we could be in for a long afternoon.

Illinois played well, but Iowa is not Rutgers.

 

[BioHawk]

Iowa's only real shot is to get hot from deep.

Just be average at least. I think Iowa can beat them if they play like we are used to and play the defense we've seen the last few games. I also think if Illinois plays their best game, Iowa loses. Mainly because if Illinois plays their best game, Iowa won't be shooting very well.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Just be average at least. I think Iowa can beat them if they play like we are used to and play the defense we've seen the last few games. I also think if Illinois plays their best game, Iowa loses. Mainly because if Illinois plays their best game, Iowa won't be shooting very well. If they win? You have to feel pretty good about where your team is at right now.

Today will be a great test to see just how much Iowa has progressed defensively. Iowa really is in a win-win situation today. If they lose, they'll get some good rest and will be able to take away a lot from the game that should benefit them heading into the tournament. Very unlikely their seeding changes with a loss.

 

[Ronman]

Without having watched Gonzaga for several weeks beating up on their rugged schedule of WCC teams, I would say that the Illini are playing as well as any team in the country. Will be a very tough game for us today.

 

[Moral]

Iowa's only real shot is to get hot from deep.

The score doesnt show it too much but Illinois had a few cold spells especially coming out of halftime. They also had 15 turnovers but a 17 to 3 offensive rebounds advantage. This game needs a lot of Keegan Murray. Maybe more JT Jbo combo than usual too because Illinois guards are no joke.

 

[Hawkyhawk52]

I genuinely think whoever wins this game is going to win the BTT. Michigan is no longer on its fresh legs it once was and getting injuries and iowa and Illinois are both playing better than Ohio st over the last few weeks.

 

[Hawksfor3]

Play good defense, shoot well, and please help Luka when he gets doubled.

 

[Moral]

Play good defense, shoot well, and please help Luka when he gets doubled.

And for the love of god do good sport.

 

[LetsGoHawks83]

Fran took the blame in the post Wisconsin game interview last night saying " I lost the Illinois game by playing too much zone. "

He followed it up with ..... It's a tough call though, because Illinois is so dang quick.

Dislike Illinois, but at least respect them.

Unlike Wisconsin and whatever the crap is they do on a basketball floor....it isn't high level basketball, that's for sure.

Wisconsin is the only B1G team that I hope gets Blown out in their 1st round at the NCAAs.

 

[denmar81]

Iowa’s defense has been good because of the M2M. Will Iowa be able to play man as much as normal due to the Illini’s quickness? Heard on ESPN this a.m. that Iowa will have to play good zone to win. Thoughts?

 

[silasstarr]

No doubt. Illinois is playing at a very high level right now. Iowa is going to have to play their best game of the year to win this one. With no pressure, Iowa can do it. looking forward to it. Gonna be fun.

I don't think Iowa has to play their best game of the year to beat Illinois. There were 22 lead changes in the last game with them. It just happened that they gained the lead at the end. Don't forget we were missing CJ in the previous game with them and it was Iowa's first full game without him.

I predict whomever wins the game, they will also win the BTT Championship. OSU will be exhausted and Michigan isn't playing that well and is missing Livers.

 

[skydog0784]

As others have said, this is going to be a major challenge. IA needs to play with very few mistakes on both ends, play exceptional defense, the 3 balls need to fall at a 40%+ clip.

We need contributions from the top 9 including Perkins to stay fresh for what should be a fast paced game against a very quick team.

As much as I want to win the BTT, there is something to be said for being well rested and healthy for the NCAA tournament. We’re solidly on the 2 line regardless.

 

[luvmyhawks]

I don't think Iowa has to play their best game of the year to beat Illinois. There were 22 lead changes in the last game with them. It just happened that they gained the lead at the end. Don't forget we were missing CJ in the previous game with them and it was Iowa's first full game without him.

I predict whomever wins the game, they will also win the BTT Championship. OSU will be exhausted and Michigan isn't playing that well and is missing Livers.

good point about cjf. Forgot he was out for that game. However, I stand by the comment that Illinois is playing at an extremely high level right now and it will take one of Iowa’s best efforts to win this game today. Fortunately, Iowa is also playing at a pretty high level right now and is more than capable of beating Illinois.

 

[iahawks10]

If the Illini play like last night, we could be in for a long afternoon.

You’re an Illini fan. Ear shit

 

[Rambler Hawk]

I freaking HATE that team....but I have TONS of respect for them. They are playing the best of ANY team in the nation, even the Zags if you consider the competition. I want so bad to have the Hawks beat them today, but I truly believe it will be an uphill battle. But, here are just a few things I think need to happen.....and yep.....I know some of these are just "duh" things.....but still.

DON'T START SLOOOOW - Nothing much to added to this statement. Just, don't get in a big hole out of the gate.

DON'T BE AFRAID to use the Zone defense just a little more against them. This is just to keep them honest. They have the best guards in the BIG and they can all beat our kids (except for maybe Joe T.) off the dribble and get to the hoop.

MAKE AYO GO LEFT FOR CRIPES SAKE!!!! - He is a supreme talent for sure, but in the last 4 games that I have watched him play, he basically only gets to the rim going to the right (Yep, I know this has been talked about). Yesterday, the Rutgers guys who were guarding him, went for his juke move to the left and got burned when Ayo did what he does 95% of the time.....went to his right. I remember thinking, "Just let him shake and bake all he wants and play for the move to the right!".

STOP FRASIER - This guy seems to light the Hawks up when he plays us. So, stop him and Ayo and we are much better shape.

LUKA MUST BE LUKA against Kofi. I don't care what anyone says, The way Kofi plays, he should foul out of almost EVERY game he plays in. Luke just needs to work him over inside and get him in foul trouble. Now, Kofi is a MUCH better defender then he was last year, so it isn't a walk in the park that Luka can do this......but lets hope.

HITTING OUR 3'S IS PARAMOUNT - Again, I know this is a "duh" thing, but if we can't hit our threes.....we are toast. You can beat a team like Sconny with a bad night like that...but not the Illini

FRAN....PLEASE USE YOUR TIMEOUTS EFFECTIVLY - There have been times this year when we have seen teams go on a run and I am PARYING to see Fran use a timeout.....only to see him hold onto it to long. Illinois can go on these MASSIVE, QUICK runs (just like the Hawks), and it is imperative that Frans stems the tide sooner rather then later.

GO HAWKS!!!!

Great post - just saw this now, FRASIER was a non-factor (for a change!), but Kofi had his way in the paint. Luka grossly needed some help and Murray was probably the only other Hawk remotely capable of assisting him, you know if... ..FRAN HAD PLAYED KM MORE. I did like Josh O. experiment though.

p.s. Good call on using the Zone!

 

[Booty Maximus]

Hey, when did you guys start playing defense anyway? Throwing off my narratives....

Still pretty decent defense though we missed a number of wide open 3s. Like I said in the other thread though, Garza just doesn't defend, can't risk the fouls and that just limits your D.

 

[bumper52]

Still pretty decent defense though we missed a number of wide open 3s. Like I said in the other thread though, Garza just doesn't defend, can't risk the fouls and that just limits your D.

Yes, Garza cannot risk fouls. I thought we played a much better second half, but some of that was Illinois’ poor execution/decision making down the stretch. They should have constantly been feeding the beast (especially when Luka picked up his fourth) but they settled for threes. We needed one...maybe 2 buckets to make that game come down to a last possession. I didn’t think our shot selection with 3 minutes remaining was good. A couple ill advised threes early in the shot clock. More production from our bench was sorely needed. And, the absence of Nunge was HUGE. You had to figure it would come to bite us sometime. And, unfortunately, it probably will again. Could be against our first round opponent; they are big.

 

[bumper52]

Still pretty decent defense though we missed a number of wide open 3s. Like I said in the other thread though, Garza just doesn't defend, can't risk the fouls and that just limits your D.