Purdue outshoots Illinois in win (link)

[KODK]

Link: Win

 

[TC4THREE]

Next game against Michigan looks like the best competition left on the schedule. If they plan on making a late push for the NCAA tournament, that looks like a must-win given the lack of impressive wins on their resume.

 

[illiniboiler]

Because I live in Champaign, I was at the game yesterday, which I have gone to every year since 1998 when the played in Huff Gym. We had Steph White etc and lost when their all time leading scored hit a shot at the buzzer. Soon we would be national champs and Illinois would fall off the table. But not just yet. A couple of years later I saw these teams battle in a sold out Assembly Hall where Purdue won a close game. Yesterday there were just a few hundred at the game and the usually large Purdue contingent seemed smaller than usual. At any rate, we will really miss Ashley M. She is one of the best pgs we have had in a long time. A smooth as silk player with a smooth shot. The 9 three's we made in the first half was the difference and the fact that the Illini have no inside game. But again our bevy of unforced turnovers kept them in the game and they hit open shots better than they usually do. They are not a poorly coached team, but have only some talent and little depth. Their five year coach is beleaguered and probably may lose his job like the men's coach Grose. There may be entirely new leadership in Illinois BB next year. Purdue won this game with just plain hustle and grittiness which is mostly what this team is about. If we can beat Michigan at home we can win out and go to NCAA. I don't expect it, but I think Versyp has them playing at their REALISTIC best.

 

[22fanclub]

Next game against Michigan looks like the best competition left on the schedule. If they plan on making a late push for the NCAA tournament, that looks like a must-win given the lack of impressive wins on their resume.

Agree. They need this one. Unfortunately Impressive win opportunity limited in Big 10, period. A strong place in Big10 is like winning a Tall Midget award. (Apologies in advance to any midgets on the blog who may find that statement offensive).

 

[illiniboiler]

 

[smalltownIL]

I was at most of those games you listed, too. Purdue's travelling support was way down from years past. As I said on Old Gold, we just worked our way through it, TOs and bad free throw shooting would have hurt worse against a better team. Big 10 refs continue to "impress" me with their skills (or lack there of). Called virtually nothing for 3 quarters, then couldn't stop whistling. and still didn't have control of game.

Bollant surprised me, I thought he'd do well at UI. The assistant he had to dump due to the player revolt at the end of last was one of his bad choices - I never felt that guy was good for the program. too much yelling/negativity. Renovated Assembly Hall/State Farm Center is pretty nice.

 

[illiniboiler]

Yes I remember once that they called 5 fouls on Illinois all during one possession! But BT refs are what they are. Yes, I know Bollant and he is a fine man and did very well at GB. But that scandal killed him. If he had White the center this year and the other big who transferred nonwithstanding the other transfers, I believe they would have won this game. But he lost them and now has to rebuild after losing so much. Hard to justify keeping him after so many years at the bottom, but that is their problem. I think Bollant may surprise, go somewhere else with a fresh start, and do quite well. He knows the game and is a good coach.