Thursday, January 29, 2009
Brr...It's Cold Up Dere
Minnesota in January. Nobody in their right mind wants to be there, and the Illini sure showed that tonight. The Illini must have froze walking from the bus into Williams Arena, and they never thawed out, shooting just 29% in the 59-36 loss. (At least they broke 30 -- there was a point I wasn't sure they would make even that.)
The Illini were out of rhythm on offense, and no one could figure out how to make a shot at the Barn, a place that had recently been very friendly for the Illini. Dominique Keller and his unorthodox shot helped a bit, and he led the Illini off the bench, with 9 points. But overall it was ugly.
Give the Illini credit, though, for playing their game on defense, especially during the first half. They now know which Gophers floss. But Tubby's team also defended well. They can probably tell you what the Illini had for lunch -- and breakfast. I don't think even a sneeze went uncontested. It was a defensive battle, which made for ugly, low-scoring Big Ten basketball.
The Gophers earned the W, just less than 10 years since their last win over the Illini.
And a game like this often happens over the course of the season. This just wasn't the night to go cold. The Illini will need to quickly regroup before they face the Hawkeyes. But at least they are headed home for a game. The Gophers needed a home win before tackling a tough road schedule.
I expect a much different outcome when Tubby brings his boys to Champaign next month...
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The Illini were out of rhythm on offense, and no one could figure out how to make a shot at the Barn, a place that had recently been very friendly for the Illini. Dominique Keller and his unorthodox shot helped a bit, and he led the Illini off the bench, with 9 points. But overall it was ugly.
Give the Illini credit, though, for playing their game on defense, especially during the first half. They now know which Gophers floss. But Tubby's team also defended well. They can probably tell you what the Illini had for lunch -- and breakfast. I don't think even a sneeze went uncontested. It was a defensive battle, which made for ugly, low-scoring Big Ten basketball.
The Gophers earned the W, just less than 10 years since their last win over the Illini.
And a game like this often happens over the course of the season. This just wasn't the night to go cold. The Illini will need to quickly regroup before they face the Hawkeyes. But at least they are headed home for a game. The Gophers needed a home win before tackling a tough road schedule.
I expect a much different outcome when Tubby brings his boys to Champaign next month...
Labels: Dominique Keller, Illini basketball
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:58 PM
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
They're Back
...in the top 25! Congratulations to the Illini, #25 in the AP poll and tied for #24 in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Their performance against Michigan and tough play at Michigan State finally got them back into the rankings after a long absence. The Illini were last ranked at the end of the 2005-06 season.
And they more than lived up to the billing against Ohio State in Champaign. The Illini dominated the game with tough defense and a great mid-range game against the Buckeye matchup zone. The 67-49 victory moves the Illini into a tie for 2nd in the conference with Minnesota.
The Illini showed great balance Tuesday night with 4 players in double figures. Mike Tisdale led the Illini scoring with 15 points, Demetri McCamey had 13, Dominique Keller had 12 off the bench plus 6 rebounds, and Chester Frazier added 10 points. And the turn-around jumpers near the top of the key were really pretty. And Keller's game off the bench was impressive, although making that potential dunk on the breakaway would have been nice.
But the most exciting part of the Illini game were the 13 steals, including 5 from Calvin Brock. That defense helped force a season-high 20 turnovers by the Buckeyes, and held leading tOSU scorer Evan Turner to only 4 points.
And the Illini ball movement was crisp and quick, with the exception of 3 consecutive turnovers to start the 2nd half. The Illini had 15 assists, and 7 of those were from McCamey. These guys embody team basketball and unselfishness, which makes them fun to watch.
The bench continues to be another key to Illini success. Keller led the Illini scoring at halftime, and Brock picked up a couple offensive rebounds for put-backs along with his steals. Alex Legion put in some good minutes, and Jeff Jordan had a handful of minutes as well. (Note: Unfortunately, Jeff's mom couldn't be there to watch him, since she was hanging out with new First Lady Michelle Obama in D.C.)
Areas for improvement exist, though. The Illini were out-rebounded 31-27, and the 3-pointers weren't falling.
But you never know who will step up in any given game. Can't wait to see what they have for Wisconsin this weekend.
Go Illini!
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And they more than lived up to the billing against Ohio State in Champaign. The Illini dominated the game with tough defense and a great mid-range game against the Buckeye matchup zone. The 67-49 victory moves the Illini into a tie for 2nd in the conference with Minnesota.
The Illini showed great balance Tuesday night with 4 players in double figures. Mike Tisdale led the Illini scoring with 15 points, Demetri McCamey had 13, Dominique Keller had 12 off the bench plus 6 rebounds, and Chester Frazier added 10 points. And the turn-around jumpers near the top of the key were really pretty. And Keller's game off the bench was impressive, although making that potential dunk on the breakaway would have been nice.
But the most exciting part of the Illini game were the 13 steals, including 5 from Calvin Brock. That defense helped force a season-high 20 turnovers by the Buckeyes, and held leading tOSU scorer Evan Turner to only 4 points.
And the Illini ball movement was crisp and quick, with the exception of 3 consecutive turnovers to start the 2nd half. The Illini had 15 assists, and 7 of those were from McCamey. These guys embody team basketball and unselfishness, which makes them fun to watch.
The bench continues to be another key to Illini success. Keller led the Illini scoring at halftime, and Brock picked up a couple offensive rebounds for put-backs along with his steals. Alex Legion put in some good minutes, and Jeff Jordan had a handful of minutes as well. (Note: Unfortunately, Jeff's mom couldn't be there to watch him, since she was hanging out with new First Lady Michelle Obama in D.C.)
Areas for improvement exist, though. The Illini were out-rebounded 31-27, and the 3-pointers weren't falling.
But you never know who will step up in any given game. Can't wait to see what they have for Wisconsin this weekend.
Go Illini!
Labels: Chester Frazier, Demetri McCamey, Dominique Keller, Illini basketball, Mike Tisdale
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:36 PM
Sunday, December 07, 2008
"D"omination
The Illini looked good at the United Center Saturday. Georgia certainly helped, with their season-high turnover mark and inability to score (which included the last 7 minitues of the game). But the Illini had D -- lots of it:
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- D for Demetri McCamey, the leading scorer for the day, who drove to the basket, hit threes, and dominated the early minutes of the game.
- D for Defense -- one that got 13 steals and 3 blocks and held the Dawgs to 35% shooting.
- D for Davis and tisDale. The Mikes each scored 14 points and Davis added to the highlight reel he's working on.
- D for Dominique Keller, who came off the bench, nailed a couple of 3s in the second half when the Illini began running away with it for good. He was 3 for 4 behind the arc for the game.
This was a confidence-builder for the Illini, but Georgia clearly struggled all game. Part of the challenge could be attributed to the early start, but Dennis Felton looks to have a long season ahead of him.
And although the Illini have a lot to be happy with, the game tape will show plenty of room for improvement:
- Passing: I still like it, but it looked a bit slower and was telegraphed too clearly against Georgia. They looked better earlier in the season, and they need to maintain and improve in this area to allow the motion to really shine.
- Communication: Closely related to passing -- there were a few too many miscommunications that turned into turnovers. These guys play together well, and this should be an easy improvement.
- Rebounding: Georgia won the battle of the boards, 34-26. This is another area to improve, especially before conference play begins. The Illini forwards don't have as much meat on their bones as many big men, but they've got to be able to gete in position and battle anyway.
- Shooting when open: I love the extra pass, but shooters -- if you recieve that extra pass, shoot the ball quick. That's your job. You don't need to make the thrid or fourth extra pass if you are open already.
This team is starting to answer questions about who they are, but much remains to be seen. Should be an interesting season...
Go Illini!
Labels: Demetri McCamey, Dominique Keller, Illini basketball, Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale
# posted by Alma Mater : 12:47 PM
