Interesting matchup; think it will be a close one just because the Illini's season is officially toast with a loss (amazing to say that this early, but I do believe it is true). At 4-10, they certainly COULD quit, but I don't believe they will in this rivalry game where they could beat us if we don't play well.
Having said that, they actually don't match up with us well on paper, particularly when they are on offense. I think that we can neutralize Frazier, and, a finding a consistent second scorer has been tough for them. They do finally have a big man (grad transfer) but he is the plodding type that Pardon tends to dominate.
And we shouldn't be discouraged if they go up early; they are probably one of the best first-half teams in the country. But alas, the second half has neen a nightmare for them. Strangely, it does not appear to be due to depth so much is that BU is one of the worst in-game coaches I have seen in awhile. Pulls every player except his son when they make the sligtest mistake, terribad halftime adjustments, and situational game management that has to be seen to be believed, has moved many a winning chance to the L column. If he doesn't figure it out, and quickly, this can easily be a sub-10 win team this season.
But I do expect a grind, mostly due to the Illini pressure eefense, which has created problems at times for other teams that lack particulatly strong ball handlers (like Indiana, their last opponent). But in the end, I do expect more of the same, as they just don't seem capable of winning against most any team right now, nevermind one that presents the specific challenges to them defensively like we do.
Us 64
Them 60
Having said that, they actually don't match up with us well on paper, particularly when they are on offense. I think that we can neutralize Frazier, and, a finding a consistent second scorer has been tough for them. They do finally have a big man (grad transfer) but he is the plodding type that Pardon tends to dominate.
And we shouldn't be discouraged if they go up early; they are probably one of the best first-half teams in the country. But alas, the second half has neen a nightmare for them. Strangely, it does not appear to be due to depth so much is that BU is one of the worst in-game coaches I have seen in awhile. Pulls every player except his son when they make the sligtest mistake, terribad halftime adjustments, and situational game management that has to be seen to be believed, has moved many a winning chance to the L column. If he doesn't figure it out, and quickly, this can easily be a sub-10 win team this season.
But I do expect a grind, mostly due to the Illini pressure eefense, which has created problems at times for other teams that lack particulatly strong ball handlers (like Indiana, their last opponent). But in the end, I do expect more of the same, as they just don't seem capable of winning against most any team right now, nevermind one that presents the specific challenges to them defensively like we do.
Us 64
Them 60