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Illinois plays host to Northwestern 01-06-10
The very early line shows ILLINOIS -8
So it is a cornered Wildcat that the Illini host. And maybe a little wounded. John Shurna was the hottest shooter in the country in December before spraining his ankle. He has continued to play but was limited in the 82-69 loss at Purdue. And he carried a 61.8 percent three-point mark into Monday's home date against Michigan State and contributed one field goal in a 65-62 loss.
That game defies analysis. Michigan State was clearly faster and tougher, ruling the lane and the rebounds, and forcing Shurna and others to take difficult shots. In seemingly putting the game away, the Spartans held Northwestern without a basket for six minutes and carried a 63-50 lead into the final three minutes.
Up to that point, as Tom Izzo said later, the Spartans had played about as well on the road as they were capable. Kalin Lucas was sharp, Korie Lucious emerged from his slump and Draymond Green was dominant inside. Then Lucious missed a free throw, the Spartans began to hold the ball and, on the other end, Northwestern point guard Juice Thompson dialed up desperation mode with nine stunning points.
Next thing you know, Lucas was at the line with Michigan State nursing a 63-62 lead and, when he also missed, Green was there to save the day and knock it back in.
BACK TO THE ILLINOIS GAME
Both teams feature face-up shooters, and Thursday's game will hinge on which team can control penetration and recover to challenge the perimeter marksmen. Illinois did this effectively during the 10 minutes after halftime of Sunday's win against Wisconsin.
NW runs a princeton type style of offense it's not complete because they will get frustrated and jack the shot up early. The ankle sprain of Shurna is a concern of the wildcats, but I must tell you he has owned Illinois every time he has played them.
9 points seems way to high for this game for many reasons....
More to follow
The very early line shows ILLINOIS -8
So it is a cornered Wildcat that the Illini host. And maybe a little wounded. John Shurna was the hottest shooter in the country in December before spraining his ankle. He has continued to play but was limited in the 82-69 loss at Purdue. And he carried a 61.8 percent three-point mark into Monday's home date against Michigan State and contributed one field goal in a 65-62 loss.
That game defies analysis. Michigan State was clearly faster and tougher, ruling the lane and the rebounds, and forcing Shurna and others to take difficult shots. In seemingly putting the game away, the Spartans held Northwestern without a basket for six minutes and carried a 63-50 lead into the final three minutes.
Up to that point, as Tom Izzo said later, the Spartans had played about as well on the road as they were capable. Kalin Lucas was sharp, Korie Lucious emerged from his slump and Draymond Green was dominant inside. Then Lucious missed a free throw, the Spartans began to hold the ball and, on the other end, Northwestern point guard Juice Thompson dialed up desperation mode with nine stunning points.
Next thing you know, Lucas was at the line with Michigan State nursing a 63-62 lead and, when he also missed, Green was there to save the day and knock it back in.
BACK TO THE ILLINOIS GAME
Both teams feature face-up shooters, and Thursday's game will hinge on which team can control penetration and recover to challenge the perimeter marksmen. Illinois did this effectively during the 10 minutes after halftime of Sunday's win against Wisconsin.
NW runs a princeton type style of offense it's not complete because they will get frustrated and jack the shot up early. The ankle sprain of Shurna is a concern of the wildcats, but I must tell you he has owned Illinois every time he has played them.
9 points seems way to high for this game for many reasons....
More to follow
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