The Illini Are For Real
After winning 38 straight games on their home court, the Wisconsin Badgers finally lost at the Kohl Center. The 75-65 loss to Illinois ends the longest home winning streak in the nation. It also brings to light just how impressive this Illinois squad is.
The top ranked Illini improved to 20-0 after last night's victory. There are only a handful of teams in the history of college basketball that have started a season with more wins. But there is more to this Illinois team than a perfect record. This accumulation of talent has what it takes to ride it out. After seeing them last night, they are my pick to be this year's national champs.
I would never claim to make a pick like that with any level of certainty. After all, it isn't called March Madness for nothing. But no team can match up with Illinois' explosive talent at every position. Luther Head, James Augustine and Dee Brown are the stars, and they will carry the club through most games. But like every winning team, the element that puts the Illini on a different level is intangible. If ever there is a time that the star players don't come through--whether it be an off night, foul trouble or injuries--someone on the bench will step it up. Last night it was Jack Ingram. The 6'10'' senior came off the bench and drilled two 3-pointers down the stretch to wrap up the "W". He averages four points per game and had hit two 3-pointers all season entering the contest. But for teams that possess that something extra, similar things happen all the time.
Also, the Illini have been through the close contests. Blowouts are great, but in March, when things will inevitably get tense, a team needs to have close-game experience. Illinois has won six of their 20 games by 15 points or less. They have won their last two by five and ten points respectively, and trailed late in both games.
This team has everything it takes to run the table. If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on the Illini.
The top ranked Illini improved to 20-0 after last night's victory. There are only a handful of teams in the history of college basketball that have started a season with more wins. But there is more to this Illinois team than a perfect record. This accumulation of talent has what it takes to ride it out. After seeing them last night, they are my pick to be this year's national champs.
I would never claim to make a pick like that with any level of certainty. After all, it isn't called March Madness for nothing. But no team can match up with Illinois' explosive talent at every position. Luther Head, James Augustine and Dee Brown are the stars, and they will carry the club through most games. But like every winning team, the element that puts the Illini on a different level is intangible. If ever there is a time that the star players don't come through--whether it be an off night, foul trouble or injuries--someone on the bench will step it up. Last night it was Jack Ingram. The 6'10'' senior came off the bench and drilled two 3-pointers down the stretch to wrap up the "W". He averages four points per game and had hit two 3-pointers all season entering the contest. But for teams that possess that something extra, similar things happen all the time.
Also, the Illini have been through the close contests. Blowouts are great, but in March, when things will inevitably get tense, a team needs to have close-game experience. Illinois has won six of their 20 games by 15 points or less. They have won their last two by five and ten points respectively, and trailed late in both games.
This team has everything it takes to run the table. If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on the Illini.
posted by Joe Siple | 1:18 PM
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