Prediction Standings, Illinois-Missouri Predictions.
First of all, here are the updated Standings through four games.
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NAMEPREDICTIONWINSLOSSESRSDT*bubba2hypeIllinois 72-583130riverIllinois 66-503135Paul KleeIllinois 62-523135ReilliniIllinois 70-603137JoeK82Illinois 66-523140buckhunter2Illinois 76-653143uofiisuIllinois 79-653145Bwp 5PIllinois 70-603145sunnyd503Illinois 76-583150walkerIllinois 77-593152smills89Illinois 73-543155gordonbacon15Illinois 76-523158illiniearlIllinois 81-573183pennilessIllinois 69-553018aaeismacgychelIllinois 66-582238tstephensIllinois 69-552245Eric 22Illinois 76-662247Wincer_85Illinois 61-502248geriatricilliniIllinois 70-552252Tom YoungIllinois 75-602253CARPETIllinois 74-652258mbelcherDNP2130oskeewowwowDNP2130smccawDNP2137dave1956DNP2137Foo_GDNP2139illinifan1280DNP2149ax474DNP208drcc4DNP2015cjcohenIllinois 75-622016jruss62DNP2031afanDNP2035wilson577DNP1243mvilliniDNP1243dealmaker21DNP1259illinois52DNP1117rtrottDNP1123illini82DNP1124illinizeemanDNP1124ICB36DNP102JeremyHDNP105ILLINI04DNP107GWDNP1013illiniphil85DNP1013rumbob35DNP1014illiniloveDNP1028oandbIllinois 85-381044nikeguy1618DNP0116bookworm24DNP0118cevansDNP0118UIUIlliniDNP0120IlliniExileDNP0122bumpin99DNP0128
* - Real Score Difference Total
MY PREDICTION
#9 MISSOURI 75 #25 ILLINOIS 56
If the Illini players on the floor stand around and watch the game like the fans do, they will continue to struggle on offense. If a team that is not so great at shooting the ball settles for outside shots, they will continue to struggle on offense. For some reason a team with nice talent is once again very shy when it comes to executing. Last year's team did this, and resently this team has started to do the same. If they attack the basket, whether it be through passing or dribble driving, they will have a chance to beat anyone. The question is will they do that. If not, the second question is, why the hell not? Don't be afraid of success. If you got skill, use it. It's time to attack the basket.
What do you guys think? Will it be a big win for the Illini, or do the Tigers rip 'em a new one? Let me know what you guys think with your thoughts and predictions below. Let's hope the Illini can get back on the right track and produce a good game. Talk to you guys next time.
I-L-L...
I'm thinking the Illini win five more games the rest of the season, unfortunately this won't be one of them. We're steamrolling toward a similar fate as the football team this year: play a bunch a cupcakes, get a signature win (Gonzaga as we did with AZ State), finish .500 for the season and well, you know the rest.... Just an aside prediction anyway that can be used as a tie breaker when I win this prediction contest. Would love the opportunity to be proven wrong! Go ILLINI!
Mizzou 85
Illini 54
Illinois squeaked by Cornell in another pretty ugly game. DJ is the only consistant scorer we have right now, other than meyers who is somewhat inconsistent throughout a game. Meyers will be the only true big on the floor tomorrow night in st.louis (other than maybe tyler griffey.) We have to find a way to get him the ball. Missouri will definitely key in on meyers and try to make it tough for us to get him the ball. We HAVE to get him touches, tho.
Illinois is NOT outmatched athletically or physically in this game. However, Missouri is loaded with upper claassman and Illinois has only has 2 players who have had significant minutes in this atmosphere (Paul/Richardson.) We have to be strong with the ball and make some shots. The Bench needs to give us a lift, too. Not necessarily with points, but with energy and defense. Our guards have repeatedly gotten beat off the dribble (Missouri's strength is beating people off the dribble) but Leonard has done a good job of manning the rim and altering/blocking shots. The thing that that does is open up the weak side rebound, tho. I know Bruce never does it but i wouldn't be real surprised if Illinois went with a little zone. Gotta make some shots when we're open!
Missouri: 79
Illinois: 74
Prove me wrong, Illinois!
Tom,
I should be 3-1 over the first 4 games with an RSDT of 34, not 2-2 with an RSDT of 38. My picks were:
Gonzaga 71 Illini 64. Actual: Illinois 82-75, 0-1 RSDT 14
Illini 71 St. Bonaventure 66. Actual: Illinois 48-43, 1-1 RSDT 14
Illini 68 Coppin St. 59. Actual: Illinois 80-63, 2-1 RSDT 22
UNLV 77 Illini 73. Actual: UNLV 64-48, 3-1 RSDT 34
Illini 66 Cornell 58. Actual: Illinois 64-60, 4-1 RSDT 38 (I stilll think that last millisecond tip-in was so after the final buzzer)
As for the Mizzou game, gosh, it really doesn't look so good right now, does it? Basketball though is a funny game, and I really wouldn't be surprised if Illinois came out feeling disrespected and with a ton of energy, muck up Mizzou's high speed offense, and cause them problems inside on offense. And here's the kicker, Mizzou has blown out everyone they've played. While that looks extremely formidable, it also means that they have no experience this season with a tight game and haven't proved they can pull out a game in the closing minutes either. That said, I also wouldn't be surprised if Mizzou terrorizes and completely blitzes Illinois early, having a 20+ point lead by the 10 minute mark and proceed to demolish every shred of confidence the suddenly tentative Illini now have. If Illinois can guard the three, they may just have a shocking shot in this one. I say this game is alot closer than any of us expects:
Missouri 77
Illinois 72
INI
Mizzo-74
Illini-64
This game is usally very entertaining, I look for the Illini to step it up a notch but I don't think they have enough to beat the Tigers.
I really hope I'm wrong.I'll be listening on the radio as the choice for me is Bob Knight free.
As always Go Illini
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