Saturday, January 12, 2008

Illini loss at Wisconsin

As expected, the Illini lost at Wisconsin this week, and the final was fairly close at 70-60. Box Score

The Illini stayed in the game with nice offensive production from Calvin Brock and Trent Meacham, who each scored 14 points. The reasons for the loss:

1. Shaun Pruitt lost his battle with Brian Butch at the center position. Butch scored 16 points to Pruitt's 9 points, and also outrebounded Shaun, 7-5.

2. Trevon Hughes, the point guard for Wisconsin, went off for 22 points, slightly off his career high, scoring easily against McCamey and Frazier. Frazier played 30 minutes despite his rib injury and scored 2 points. It's hard to overcome a 20 point deficit at the point guard position each night unless you have a great front line, and the Illini don't.

3. Senior Brian Randle had one of his worst games ever. He fouled out with 4 points and 4 rebounds, playing 21 minutes.

It was actually amazing the game was close when you consider the combined point production of Illinois' big three leaders (Pruitt, Randle and Frazier) was a measly 15 points. Basically, the Illini decided to play a game of 2 against 5 in the Kohl Center, and did well to stay close. Part of the reason for the close game was the Illini rebounding edge of 33-24.

From what I read from Illinois fans, they were pleased with the game because the Illini looked better on the court, and were competitive rather than getting blown out. The sad part of the game is when the ESPN TV crew points out that Shaun Pruitt feels sorry for team members who are booed by the home crowd. The team and coach seem like they are happy to be away from Champaign, which historically was a huge advantage for the Illini.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Exactly. It is embarrassing to the school that the fans are booing Frasier even though he is playing injured and doing his best. Real class act. Forget they are kids, just boo them like professional athletes. Chicago booed Grossman, demanded a quarter back change. Guess Griese worked out real well for them. Some fan bases must not be happy unless they are complaining about something.

The reason the Wisconsin and Penn State games were close is because both teams some played man to man
defense. Against a man to man, Illinois is competitive. Against a zone, Illinois lack of outside shooting is exposed!

Ron said...

I think the booing will stop as the fans realize this is just going to be a down year. Might finish in the second to last spot in the conference (hopefully not last).

I think that's exactly right on the man to man defense. Will IU play zone or man to man defense today?