Well... since I couldn't find the old NCAA basketball thread and especially since Illinois is currently in the 5th week of being ranked #1, I thought I would start it up again.

15-0 start to the season, baby! Into the Big Ten schedule now and took care of Ohio St. last night. Got Purdue on the road Saturday, hope the Illini can take care of business at Mackey Arena!

Oh, yeah! That was beeyootiful! The boys should have NO problem with Purdue. I'm predicting 16-0 after Saturday with a 6th straight week at #1 on Monday.

It's always nice when Indiana gets spanked by Northwestern. :rolleyes:

Gotta give love to my boys from GT bouncing back from a game they should have won agains Kansas, Give 'em hell Tech as TommyK would say.

The team that will sting ya in the ass.
B.J. Elder out for a few weeks, but this is where the team becomes a team losing leaders and finishes the task at hand. Dig deep fellas and represent the way that we know you will.

Yeah, it was nice to see 12-1 coming in to Big 10 action tonight...but like most of Steve Alfords teams, they choke when it matters. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/wuerg/vomit-smiley-020.gif

Lost to Michigan...DAMN IT...DAMN IT ALL TO HE-double hockey stickshttp://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/waffen/violent-smiley-056.gif

Had to light this one up again fellas, especially since the Fighting Illini are rolling all over the competition. Yawn. See you in early April.

Which reminds me--the Final Four's about 3 hours down the road in St. Louis this year. So I call a couple of buddies, get all geeked about a weekend of hoops and hollerin', and sit down to check out ticket packages.

HELLLOOOOOOO!!!!!

Um...honey, I took out a second mortgage on the house today...

It is kinda cool that my homestate university is raking in the wins and the recognition!!!!
I personally am a Kentucky Wildcats fan...I lived in Lexington when I was in 1st grade...so it kind of stuck with me. A lot of history with the Wildcats!
As far as Big Ten teams: ON WISCONSIN!!!! :thumb:
I am allowed to have 2 teams.... :drunk:

Gotta give love to my boys from GT bouncing back from a game they should have won agains Kansas, Give 'em hell Tech as TommyK would say.

The team that will sting ya in the ass.
B.J. Elder out for a few weeks, but this is where the team becomes a team losing leaders and finishes the task at hand. Dig deep fellas and represent the way that we know you will.
Hey, I was cheering for you guys against Kansas (those dicks!)!

Is this really needed when we already have this= http://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=22971 ?

High noon, on the morrow......Terps-Heels, live on ESPN.

Conference play begins. This is what basketball is all about, peoples.

I think the Tarheels might have something this year, if Roy Williams can guide this team through a competitive minefield. The Heels have always been unpredictable, combustible, volatile and suspect, but it's time....yeah, that's what it comes down to, it's just time once again....

Besides, with this team, this coach, this program, this school, and this Tarheel Nation, there are no more excuses. Everything's ripe. The pieces are in place. No more if's ands, or buts........

This is basketball season. This is the time. Tarheel Nation...RAISE UP!!!!!!!

bump

Is this really needed when we already have this= http://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=22971 ?Nope...it probably got overlooked when this forum was made. I am sure it will be fixed. :)

Gotta give love to my boys from GT bouncing back from a game they should have won agains Kansas, Give 'em hell Tech as TommyK would say.

The team that will sting ya in the ass.
B.J. Elder out for a few weeks, but this is where the team becomes a team losing leaders and finishes the task at hand. Dig deep fellas and represent the way that we know you will.

Damn right givem hell Tech.To me i think they are coming around. They looked a lot better against Kansas than they did vs Gonzaga. With Morrow looking like he could be the next Marvin Lewis for Tech. He will be asked to step it up with scoring at times. Dont look for him with defense thought. Two things Tech needs to work on is Luke should be playing a lot stronger but he is not. He looks flat to me. And DAMNIT MAKE THOSE FREE THROWS GT. Thats killing Tech in close games. It aint that hard i can do it. GO TECH vs Virgina tonight @ 8pm

Please tell me today's game was an aberration and they're not going to scare me like that in the first half again. Having said that --

GO ILLINI!!!!!! :bounce:

(But let's get our act together and kick ASS the whole game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I'm not a huge college basketball fan but I used to cheer for UNLV, but after Tarkanian left, or was forced to leave, I quit watching them. I do cheer for Gonzaga since my dad lives not far from Spokane, and I like cheering for the underdog.

I don't think Maryland Coach Gary Williams cared too much for that monumental ass-whippin' his team received today at the hands of the UNC Tarheels. I walked away when the Heels had 'em by 33. It was actually a good game in the first half, it got ugly in the second.

I'm not talking smack, I'm just sayin'.......Terps got their ass kicked, ya should've seen it. :eek:

See...what;d I tell ya?!?!?! Alford's boys run roughshod over the Div. AA and lower schools and even the piss-poor Div. 1A schools. Let them get in to the Big10, where it counts...and they can't shoot and score. Hell, they can't shoot their way out of an empty parking lot, let alone, an arena.

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/waffen/violent-smiley-072.gif

I'm not a huge college basketball fan but I used to cheer for UNLV, but after Tarkanian left, or was forced to leave, I quit watching them. I do cheer for Gonzaga since my dad lives not far from Spokane, and I like cheering for the underdog.

Lon Kruger is a great coach and in a few years UNLV is going to be a power in the NCAA. I know Kruger didn't do great things in with the Hawks in the NBA, but that is a whole different world.

Please tell me today's game was an aberration and they're not going to scare me like that in the first half again.


Purdue was really fired up at start of the game. Illinois adjusted well in the second half and took care of business. Really need Kentucky to beat Kansas today to get the unanimous #1 in next week's poll. :D

Go Tech. Beat up on Virgina yesterday. They lloked great. Hitting free throws and Luke was all over the place. Next up is UNC. That should be one hell of a game. Speed vs Speed. You know my Tech boys are going to get a W at UNC. Givem Hell Tech !!!!

Lon Kruger is a great coach and in a few years UNLV is going to be a power in the NCAA. I know Kruger didn't do great things in with the Hawks in the NBA, but that is a whole different world.
Kruger is one hell of a College coach. He should have not went to the Hawks. Right now God couldnt get the hawks to win. Trust me nobody can. It will be a while before the hawks ever get good again. But i do wish Kruger the best of luck :thumb:

Could one of you nice mods move this thread to the long awaited sports forum? Thanks! :)

Seen are you listening?

I think there is another thread in Pall Ball about college basketball. So they might just want to move this or just get rid of it.

UNC will be the 2005 national champs, their only challenge is illinois and they beat them last year, they can beat them again.

UNC will be the 2005 national champs, their only challenge is illinois and they beat them last year, they can beat them again.

Confidence is high in this one......

I ain't sayin' jack....the next two months are tuff enuff.....

But it is time. Oh yes, it's about time....:thumb:

Tarheel Nation......raise up!!! Break out the wine and cheese, 'cause Cameron ain't the only Crazies!

I think there is another thread in Pall Ball about college basketball. So they might just want to move this or just get rid of it.
Well, since this thread (NCAA Basketball '04-'05) was here first (01.07.05, 12:23 AM ), I think we need to get rid or close the other one (The 2004 - 2005 College Hoops Thread) which had its first post 01.07.05, 09:43 PM. (I also believe this thread title is the same as the one in the earlier forum.) I mean, you know, if tradition and being fair and all that kind of stuff matters to basketball fans.

How about those Illini? #1 for the 6th straight week!

Lon Kruger is a great coach and in a few years UNLV is going to be a power in the NCAA. I know Kruger didn't do great things in with the Hawks in the NBA, but that is a whole different world.
Kruger? BAH! This is one thing we'll have to disagree on!

I merged both of the threads together BTW, just so you guys know.

Hey, TommyK, you going to the UNC/Tech game?

Big game tonight, hoops fans.....GT at UNC, 7pm sharp, live on ESPN.

Two top-8 teams, should be a good'n..... :thumb:

Big game tonight, hoops fans.....GT at UNC, 7pm sharp, live on ESPN.

Two top-8 teams, should be a good'n..... :thumb:

GIVEM HELL TECH!!!!!!!!!!

HUGE game tonight. GT at UNC. Felton against Jack. This is a huge statement game that will really tell the story about Georgia Tech being legit or a pretender. Feel free to make a free throw tonight fellas and no open looks on threes on defense and we can pull it out.

Ramblin Wreck by 7 is my pick. :thumb:

All right, as referee Mills Lane used to say, "Let's get it on!!!!"

Mike Patrick is losing his mind. That's the second time someone has thrown up a 3-point brick, followed by Patrick saying "He's a great shooter".

Shut up. Theismann is rubbing off on you.

Ass-whipping at Chapel Hill tonight. UNC is for real, GT is not the same as last year. However we did lose to the Heels by about 18 once last year too.

UNC is playing as good as anyone right now. Guess it all depends on who is hot in March though. GO HEELS!!!!!!!!

Great win tonight! (Kind of boring, though, since they led most of the way. But I prefer that to the alternative!) Would hate to have to play either Kansas or North Carolina, though.

GO ILLINI!!!!!!!

ILLINOIS #1
IF THEY CAN GET THROUGH WISCONSIN AND THEIR 37 HOME GAME WIN STREAK. I THINK THEY CAN GO UNDEFEATED. OTHER STUMBLING BLOCKS..IOWA AND MICHIGAN ST.
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS UNC IS GETTING TOO MUCH HYPE FOR BEATING UP ON 2ND RATE TALENT. I MEAN BEATING MARYLAND AND GEORGIA TECH AT HOME IS FINE, BUT THOSE GAMES INBETWEEN SANTA CLARA AND THOSE PRIOR TWO I JUST MENTIONED ARE A F***** JOKE. FOUR ROAD GAMES...THATS IT!!!
ILLINOIS HAS BEATEN 3 TEAMS IN THE ESPN POWER 16 ALREADY, AND CRUSHED THEM ALL. ILLINOIS WILL PLAY THE 8TH ROAD GAME TODAY, WIN BY AN AVERAGE OF 20 POINTS, TRAILED AT HALFTIME ONLY ONCE. LETS SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH UNC VS WAKE TODAY..

Chill on the CAPS...

Here's to BigTime College Hoops and a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon on a lovely January afternoon. :thumb:

UNC-Wake......thank you, Matt Doherty, for recruiting this wonderful team.

And the naysayers can sit around talking about that loss to Santa Clara, wondering if their team can matchup.

We'll see ya at end of March. ;)

Wow, Wake pretty much handed the 'Heels a giant capital "L" today.

I don't know what's worse, losing badly or listening to Dickie V while losing badly.

PBR's are going down good, though. :thumb:

Hey, it's football time!! :D

Dayum! That was great!! New school record -- 18-0!!!!!!!!!! Wish I could have been there! :bounce:

I take it back about UNC -- bring 'em on, baybee! (You can keep Kansas a little longer, though.) :D

BTW -- Michaels -- looks like you called it on both the Illini and UNC. How are you feeling about Kansas?

I would start to rip Kansas for playing 10 home games in a row at the start of a season. But beating Kentucky at Kentucky was impressive. If there ever was a chance of two undefeated teams in the championship game this could be this year. IllinoisvsKansas. Very unlikely, but that would be sweet. I'm not really concerned about Kansas in regards to the Illini, Bill Self wouldn't stand a chance in this one LOL

I sure hope Wisconsin slows down Illinois at the Kohl Center...Illinois needs a reality check before March Madness begins. Too much confidence can be a bad thing in Illinois! Look at all of the other sports teams from this state eh hum....*cough* Cubs....Bears
Plus I am a huge Badger fan....a little note is that BREW CREW and I grew up living next to Bo Ryan (Badgers coach) when we lived in Platteville. Actually played basketball in his driveway numerous times with his kids, still can't believe he's in the national spotlight, kinda cool!

Man, Florida State couldn't handle Clemson or Miami, but they handled Wake tonight, in OT even.

Man, Florida State couldn't handle Clemson or Miami, but they handled Wake tonight, in OT even.

That was a good game to watch. I cant belive WF hit that three at the end of the 4th plus got fouled. And he missed the shot. I love the ACC Basketball. Its just so deep with talent.

Does it all really matter? I mean, Syracuse IS going all the way this year. ;)

:eek: Damn! That was a close one! Can I breathe again yet? I think I'll get drunk and pass out before Tuesday's game. :drunk: If we win, someone can wake me up, if not -- let me dream! :sleep:

:eek: Damn! That was a close one! Can I breathe again yet? I think I'll get drunk and pass out before Tuesday's game. :drunk: If we win, someone can wake me up, if not -- let me dream! :sleep:

I see the Illini taking a hit in the poles with that display of arrogance. My Hawkeyes damn near beat them; and they suck. Hopefully it knocked them down a few notches and Wisconsin can stick it to them.

I see the Illini taking a hit in the poles with that display of arrogance. My Hawkeyes damn near beat them; and they suck. Hopefully it knocked them down a few notches and Wisconsin can stick it to them.

Display of arrogance? I don't understand what you mean by that. The Illini won ugly for sure- hell, you shoot 33% for the game and still find a way to win. Will be a interesting game in Madison for sure.

Display of arrogance? I don't understand what you mean by that. The Illini won ugly for sure- hell, you shoot 33% for the game and still find a way to win. Will be a interesting game in Madison for sure.


Oh yeah, every commentator, including Vitale, was stating that the Illini played like they had it won from the beginning; that they displayed arrogance and not respect for a young underdog team.

The refs were marginal at best too. There was the one that called the last OOB that I liked, but the other two were letting Illinois get away with a lot more than Iowa. I can understand refs in the pro's giving the benefit of the doubt to certain players, but not in college.

Iow'a biggest problem, meaning Alford's, was not staying with Pierce underthe board for the shuffle pass and easy lay in. It worked 3 times and got them with in striking distance or tying, then he just stopped doing it. Stoopid ass Bobby Knight worshiping knuckle-shuffler. :irked:

This is BIG TEN basketball, not really a fun place to be when you're Number 1. You have to grind out ugly ugly wins. IOWA had to play their asses off or risk falling to 1-3 in the conference. Illini gave them every chance to win that game, but Iowa turned the ball over two critical times. I'm glad they got a wake-up call before the big one coming up against Wisconsin. Look like all the haters will have to wait another week to see if 19-0 #1 ILLINOIS fall from the top spot. I predict a one point victory for illini up in wisconsin. The only downer about the season: Dickie V is finally on the bandwagon.

The only downer about the season: Dickie V is finally on the bandwagon.

Cool, maybe he'll leave the Tarheels alone for awhile. They're good (when McCants and Felton leave the attitudes at home), but they're not the greatest thing since Santa Claus.

Looks like Illinois will be #1 again Monday. I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to see Kansas get spanked like that! Only wish the Illini had done it. (They better play the game of their lives Tuesday night at Wisconsin!)

Duke and BC both pick up wins, so there are still 3 undefeated teams this season. I bet Duke will move up to #2 on Monday.

Oh yeah, every commentator, including Vitale, was stating that the Illini played like they had it won from the beginning; that they displayed arrogance and not respect for a young underdog team.


Understand your point, but don't agree with it. Might be they were looking past Iowa to the game in Madison on Tuesday. This will be a very tough game as the Badgers have the longest current home winning streak.

Stoopid ass Bobby Knight worshiping knuckle-shuffler. :irked:

Say what you want about Knight, but it's hard to argue with success. Alford ain't a bad coach and the Hawks are good right now and should be a power next season.

For the record...

I have a Iowa connection...

My dad is a graduate of Iowa- school of engineering class of 1952.

I was born in Newton and then moved to Cedar Rapids- all of my family has roots in this area.

My Uncle was the construction manager for the company that built Carver-Hawkeye Arena and he and my aunt sit in the 2nd row behind the Iowa bench every game thanks to season tickets given to him by Lute Olsen.

I don't "hate the Hawks" like many Illinois fans, but it is sure nice to beat them so I don't have to take the call from my Uncle. ;)

Understand your point, but don't agree with it. Might be they were looking past Iowa to the game in Madison on Tuesday. This will be a very tough game as the Badgers have the longest current home winning streak.



Say what you want about Knight, but it's hard to argue with success. Alford ain't a bad coach and the Hawks are good right now and should be a power next season.

For the record...

I have a Iowa connection...

My dad is a graduate of Iowa- school of engineering class of 1952.

I was born in Newton and then moved to Cedar Rapids- all of my family has roots in this area.

My Uncle was the construction manager for the company that built Carver-Hawkeye Arena and he and my aunt sit in the 2nd row behind the Iowa bench every game thanks to season tickets given to him by Lute Olsen.

I don't "hate the Hawks" like many Illinois fans, but it is sure nice to beat them so I don't have to take the call from my Uncle. ;)

No shit?? Cool. 'Bout the only connections I have to the U of I is that

**I live in the town that the guy who's name is on Carver-Hawkeye, (Roy J. Carver) is from
** I have spent the night on a couple of occassions in the Carver wing of U of I hospital for sleep apnea testing
** I attend a couple football games each year
** 2 sisters and a brother graduated from there
** I wear U of I Hawkeye stuff at every opportunity.


I'm from the Illinois side of the Quad Cities originally, moved to the Iowa side when I was 12, and have never liked the Illini. I swear we're exact opposites. Either that, or I'm you're long lost twin that was abandoned on your family's way to Illinois; and my "dad" was right in telling me they found me under a rock by the Mississippi.

The Cuse taking a serious beating from the another Big East opponent and a weak Rutgers team. Rutgers up by 18 at half! WTF? Go Orange and wake up second half before it's too late! :scared:

I see the Illini taking a hit in the poles with that display of arrogance. My Hawkeyes damn near beat them; and they suck. Hopefully it knocked them down a few notches and Wisconsin can stick it to them.
BEEEEEEEEEP! Sorry! Wrong answer! Game over! (More number one votes than ever!)

Oh, and I was right about Duke being number 2, too!

BEEEEEEEEEP! Sorry! Wrong answer! Game over! (More number one votes than ever!)

Oh, and I was right about Duke being number 2, too!


Yeah, but they weren't unanimous #1 :p They didn't get all the votes, like last week. :D I think one person voted for someone else.

I know, only one; and the fact they aren't unanimous this week is good enough for me.

The way they played, I'm really shocked they didn't have more votes against them. Oh well, they'll run in to a buzzsaw in Madison. They're still pissed about Kerry losing; so they have added energy. :drunk: :thumb:

The Cuse taking a serious beating from the another Big East opponent and a weak Rutgers team. Rutgers up by 18 at half! WTF? Go Orange and wake up second half before it's too late! :scared:

They woke up and finally exercised the deamons in New Jersey. I think they lost their last four trips into that place so i wouldn't read too much into them struggling against a weak opponent. Warrick is a beast.

19-1 and counting.....

As long as my Badgers do not eat too much string cheese they should give the Fighting Illini their first loss! ;)

As long as my Badgers do not eat too much string cheese they should give the Fighting Illini their first loss! ;)


I can't believe I'm saying this; BUT "We need your stinkin Badge(r)s."

Bleeeeech...just got that vomit taste in the back of my throat.

I can't believe I'm saying this; BUT "We need your stinkin Badge(r)s."

Bleeeeech...just got that vomit taste in the back of my throat.Need some tums neighbor? You know you need the Badgers tonight, deal with it! :D It better be a great game..with a WI win!

Need some tums neighbor? You know you need the Badgers tonight, deal with it! :D It better be a great game..with a WI win!The longest home court winning streak is gone! I need some tums, sorry RedrockingmonkeyboythatneededaWisconsinwin! :brickwall

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!

Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey-ey, you know the rest!

what a game!
that goes to show how tough the illini are. to bounce back like that on very hostile turf!
things look very nice for the orange and blue!!

oh and for the record, i was born and raised just outside of champaign. my blood is still orange and blue here in the heart of acc country!! i was there in 89 for the final four. wish i was there now!!

what a game!
that goes to show how tough the illini are. to bounce back like that on very hostile turf!
things look very nice for the orange and blue!!

oh and for the record, i was born and raised just outside of champaign. my blood is still orange and blue here in the heart of acc country!! i was there in 89 for the final four. wish i was there now!!That's cool man! As a matter of fact, as my brother said, we grew up a couple of blocks away from Bo Ryan's place. Me and my bro used to play basketball with Bo's sons at their house. Bo also let me and my brothers get in to the open gyms at the UWP sports complex (University of Wisconsin Platteville). My older brother played for Bo at UWP, now he is coaching at a state champ high school in Illinois....not hard to figure out. It's a small world when you are a VH fan!! :)

That was a hell of a game. Especially since I got the results I wanted :D . I thought this would be one of the toughest games this year.

And then there were two -- Illinois and Boston College.

Oh, and it looks like Iowa will drop out of the Top 25 next week. :p

Don't mess with Karma -- she's a real bitch!

Good to see dookies lose. I saw some of the game. Got caught playing socom 2. I had a feeling Maryland was going to beat them. Another big Acc game tonight with GA Tech vs Wake Forest. This might be the game that knocks tech out of the top 25. B.J Elder is out for another two weeks with a pulled hamstring. Might be out for the rest of the season. I hope Tech can pull it out for a win. Cause they need one real bad to pick up their sprits. Mine too. So go Tech!

Good to see dookies lose. I saw some of the game. Got caught playing socom 2. I had a feeling Maryland was going to beat them. Another big Acc game tonight with GA Tech vs Wake Forest. This might be the game that knocks tech out of the top 25. B.J Elder is out for another two weeks with a pulled hamstring. Might be out for the rest of the season. I hope Tech can pull it out for a win. Cause they need one real bad to pick up their sprits. Mine too. So go Tech!
That's the truth. A 4 game losing streak will take them out of the top 25 for sure. So dig deep and play like Maryland last night and rock the boat. I don't wanna cry again tonight. =)

Man, that sucks about Elder. I like Wake and GaTech, I'd pull for them over Dook and NC State any day of the week. Dook was overrated at number 2, regardless of being undefeated.

Dook....overrated..... :D :) :thumb: :bounce:

:funny:


I'm enjoying this right now, in the moment, 'cause February's coming and the ACC is still wide open.

Good win for the Yellowjackets tonight, though it gave me a heart attack. Almost another choke, like they did against Kansas.

Great game between WA/AZ tonight.

No kidding T.RYAN. I about lost it. I was thinking the same thing about Kansas. They were going to blow it out the end. That game took forever to play. Those refs called every little foul. I thought that game was never going to end. But really glad to see Tech pulling it out. They needed that win and so did the fans. I hope this is the turning point of winning ways now. Next up for Tech is at Maryland on Sunday. Go Tech!!

Lon Kruger is a great coach and in a few years UNLV is going to be a power in the NCAA. I know Kruger didn't do great things in with the Hawks in the NBA, but that is a whole different world.

Will he improve the graduation rate at UNLV?

I'm not a huge college basketball fan but I used to cheer for UNLV, but after Tarkanian left, or was forced to leave, I quit watching them. I do cheer for Gonzaga since my dad lives not far from Spokane, and I like cheering for the underdog.

Right on. I saw Gonzaga's two NCAA tourney games last spring in Seattle. I played with Blake Stepp's older brother, and coach Mark Few used to coach at the HS I'm a football coach at. I'm an Oregon fan but pull for the Zags here and there. I hate when people call them GonZOGGa, when it's ZAGGa. Kinda like people saying OraGONE when it's Orygun.

Will he improve the graduation rate at UNLV?
Probably, but given his record at Illinois, he won't make them the basketball power they once were.

Woohoo! 21-0! Now if they can just polish it up a bit before they take it on the road to MSU on Tuesday, we'll really be cooking!

Still two undefeated teams.

Woohoo! 21-0! Now if they can just polish it up a bit before they take it on the road to MSU on Tuesday, we'll really be cooking!

Still two undefeated teams.

Another big game at MSU. Will be tough for sure in the Izzone.

Wow the Illinois games are getting lots more national media attention. Got to cover the Minnesota game Saturday and they had to split up the media. Normally we get two seats down on the floor and they had one seat for our station the other was to watch in the media room...I was like um NO. lol
So we just stayed down there anyways...That was cool to see all the former players come back. I just don't see them losing to Michigan St. They only get them once this year, so they want to make that statement..

I can definitely see them losing to the Spartans.

The Spartans shot themselves in the foot against Wisconsin, and would've been in the game against Duke had their players not shot like 60%+ from 3-point range. That will never, EVER happen again, not even against midgets.

I have weird, mixed feelings towards State right now. On the one hand, I feel they're "pretenders", and that they won't get past the Elite 8, although that's still a great accomplishment.

On the other hand, they are on a huge roll right now, Izzo is screaming at them even when they're up by 12 points, and the players are LIKING IT, and I just sense an overall intensity that could lead to an upset.

In other words, Illinois wins this game 7 times out of 10 (duh), but I'm picking up SERIOUS mojo from East Lansing telling me the Spartans are going to win.

I smell upset! I smell an abandoned vehicle turned into a bonfire in Cedar Village Apartments!

But that's exactly what it would be....an upset.....NOT a "de-throning" of Illinois, or any kind of proof that MSU is better, because they're not. (And they're my team)

The Cuse looked rough last night. After starting strong and going up by 17, they totally fell apart. I give Pitt credit, they crashed the boards hard and made their free throws. They never gave up. Troutman was outstanding.
Krauser played great defense and hit some huge 3's in the second half.

For SU, Warrick and McNamara showed, but no one else decided to play. If they are going to make a run they need something out of their sophmores. They look terrible at times.
Boxing out every once in a while would not hurt either. Cuse hits the meat of their schedule coming up. Pitt again, Notre Dame, Uconn, BC and Nova.
Hopefully they can play a little more consistent.

I love this quote:

"Tom [Izzo] might get mad at me for saying this," Oakland coach Greg Kampe said. "I live in Michigan, and I'm a Michigan person. But Illinois is the best team we've ever played in all my years of doing this, including your national champions and Final Four teams. Does that mean Michigan State wont beat them? No, I'll bet Michigan State beats them. But Illinois is the best we've ever played. They share the ball better than any team I've ever seen."

I will say a Mich St win wouldn't surprise me, Illinois took down#1 State in 79 and Mich St went on to win the whole thing...so maybe a loss wouldn't be bad. I'm sure state would love to return that favor. In another nailbitter, Illinois wins.

Sweet baby Jesus! That's a fucking (unanimous) #1 team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
I don't think I'll make it through the season! Wow! :drunk:

Oh, and my nails are intact! :thumb:

Still two undefeated teams, though.

Another win for the Fighting Illini against a tough Michigan State team. Still undefeated baby!

State was outclassed. That was as good as they're capable of playing.

I'm still proud of them. Illinois looks incredible.

i am tired of the no respect the illini are getting.
everyone saying that this game is their toughest yet and so and so will beat illinois. every game illinois steps up and hammers down any threat. now they are saying illinois toughest test will be in iowa. please. it might be a close game but not their toughest. we just played our 2 toughest games , wisconsin and mich st. waxed both.

although, i can't believe i am saying this but, i really think we need to lose. because they are gonna lose a game this year, i just dont' want it to be in the ncaa tournament. you don't get a second chance there.


great,great team. firing on all cylinders last night!

go illini!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Majestic -- Thanks! You made some very classy statements (as opposed to some that came from Iowa and Wisconsin fans earlier).

namedmydaughterHALEN -- No! No losses EVER! (Well, not this season, at least.) If Indiana could do it, so can we!

This is so much more fun than the Deon Thomas/T.J. Wheeler/Andy Kaufman Illini team! It seemed like EVERY ONE of those games was a nailbiter. (Wish I could remember the Flying Illini better, but I was a young 'un.)

Big game today for GT. Beat those Dookies. lets get them to lose 3 of 4. And make me keep my sanity.

Half-time show of the Kansas/Nebraska game, the analysts were talking about the undefeated teams (including those undefeated in their conferences with other losses). The one guy said he thought Illinois would finish the conference season undefeated (BC not, though). Also comparing Illinois and Duke -- said Duke had a little more talent, but Illinois was close and the better team overall and would win if the two of them made it to the NCAA final. Good to hear!

Looks like MInnesota just might upset Wisconsin!

And what's with Coach K?

Just finished watching the Cuse finish off Notre Dame. Thanks to McNamara and Warrick. (props also to the Notre Dame coach for getting t'ed up with 3 minutes left in the game)
I had all but written off the Cuse in this one. They got killed on second chance points (much like the Pitt game) and only had 20 points at the half.
They just don't block out. It will kill them come tournament time.
But Warrick was just sick in the 2nd half, he just took over, and McNamara was killer at the line and hit the big threes when they needed them. An awesome game to watch.
The Dome was rocking (33K+ at the game). I am glad they went home happy after the w.

Badgers: 50 points??? WHAT THE.... :wtf:
I am sort of glad I was at work for this one! :scared:


Coach K better get checked out by a doctor..I know he played it off like it wasn't much and thought he was an idiot, then he immediately complained to the ref's about their officiating...dude, get help....something could be wrong when you just all of a sudden fall down for no reason!

Coach K better get checked out by a doctor..I know he played it off like it wasn't much and thought he was an idiot, then he immediately complained to the ref's about their officiating...dude, get help....something could be wrong when you just all of a sudden fall down for no reason!

It's just a case of postural hypotension. It can happen to anyone. Unless it's a chronic problem, then it's usually nothing to worry about.

It's just a case of postural hypotension. It can happen to anyone. Unless it's a chronic problem, then it's usually nothing to worry about.Yeah I know about that stuff...it's just that he said he felt like that before, but it wasn't this intense of feeling...that must have been a total head rush! :eek:

Coach K sucks, Duke sucks, but I'm a Tarheel that wants to see him stay around, for competitive purposes. And I know he's the best coach in the country, so the Tarheels need him to stay right where he's at, doing exactly what he's doing. It's good for the Tarheel program.

With that in mind, Coach K, don't scare us like that again. Drink more water or eat less fatback or something, but be easy over there. I don't want to see anybody go down like that, rival or not.

I'm looking forward to seeing Carolina, Wake or Duke lock up with Illinois in a few weeks....that'll be some great basketball, sports fans. I'm watching this Ill-Ind game and damn, Illinois is good.

damn, Illinois is good.

thanks, red.

good to hear an acc boy admit that there is a better team than just the one in their conference!!!!

really would like to illini play the heels,
hell of a game!

Illini had a balanced scoring attack today..Williams put up 1 point, but i'll take that with 11 assists. I just wish they would be in closer games...the rest of the schedule is a joke now...Iowa lost their best scorer and best criminal..oops did i just say that LOL Illinois won't play a team that can beat them now for over a month..which will be that Elite 8 game vs Syracuse just like in 89 baby.

UConn vs. Syracuse tonight on "Big Monday".

Go Huskies!!!

UCONN looked tough Raldo.
Villanueva / Gay / Boone all great and very active. Not sure who was guarding McNamara but he didn't get a decent look all night.
Cuse didn't help themselves with foul trouble and of course got killed on the glass. They just never had any real flow.
Doesn't get any easier for SU. Villanova, Pitt again and BC. They really needed the W. I think that makes them 0-3 against top 25 teams.

Illini had a balanced scoring attack today..Williams put up 1 point, but i'll take that with 11 assists. I just wish they would be in closer games...the rest of the schedule is a joke now...Iowa lost their best scorer and best criminal..oops did i just say that LOL Illinois won't play a team that can beat them now for over a month..which will be that Elite 8 game vs Syracuse just like in 89 baby.
http://img204.exs.cx/img204/4789/feb070011pm.th.jpg (http://img204.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img204&image=feb070011pm.jpg)

Well for all you Tech Fans B.J Elder is playing tonight vs Clemson. So hope this will be the turning point for Tech to get it in gear. They say in the newspaper that he will only play about 20 min at the most. It will be nice to have that extra shooter out there. Start hitting those threes like they used to. Givem Hell Tech!!!!

whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



to close for my taste......

about had a heart attack.

24-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



to close for my taste......

about had a heart attack.

24-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I-L-L...!

I-L-L...!
I-N-I!!!!!!!

Yeah, too close, but combined with BC losing? It's a beautiful day! :bounce:

(Looks like Dick Vitale picked the wrong game to cover!)

Well, that's two good teams (Wake and Duke) that have made the Tarholes look stupid. UNC should have won this game, easily. I just don't know what to think. As always, you never know what a Tarheel team will do. They'll either win a national championship, or lose in round one of the NIT.

Duke still sucks, though.

Hey...who did Wisconsin beat RRMB??? ;)
The Kentucky Wildcats are doing great too!!! :thumb:
Shall we have a VHlinks bracket contest on Yahoo?? It's free and easy. What do y'all think?

:thumb: Hey! I was just flipping through the channels and saw Bruce Weber on Best Damn Sports Show! I guess it airs a couple more times tonight. He was on in the first 15 minutes if you want to catch it. Pretty cool! (Except I can't stand Tom Arnold!)

:thumb: Hey! I was just flipping through the channels and saw Bruce Weber on Best Damn Sports Show! I guess it airs a couple more times tonight. He was on in the first 15 minutes if you want to catch it. Pretty cool! (Except I can't stand Tom Arnold!)


Yeah my co-worker called me last night to tell me about it prior to the show. Bruce Weber was at the Radio-TV station I work at during that segment of the show, via satellite...i was out, should've been home watching. I did manage to see the interview during halftime of Duke-UNC game though...

Yeah my co-worker called me last night to tell me about it prior to the show. Bruce Weber was at the Radio-TV station I work at during that segment of the show, via satellite...i was out, should've been home watching. I did manage to see the interview during halftime of Duke-UNC game though...
Darn! I didn't see the halftime one. Man, how cool that they did this at YOUR station! Hope you got lucky to make up for missing it!

And YEAH! for another great win today!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!! :bounce:

And YEAH! for another great win today!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!! :bounce:Yep, my boys forgot how to rebound at both ends again, I am sure my bud Bo Ryan will figure out how to get the best out of the Badgers by tourny time!

I was fortunate enough to witness my DePaul Blue Demons bitchslap Cincinnati at home.

Things are looking good. Should make the tournament again.

Two words: YEAH TERPS!!!

Fuke Duck... only team since the '94-'95 Terps to sweep the Blue Devils. It was a nail-biter Saturday nite. Looked like they were gonna crush Duke, but they came out it the second half playing sloppy. I guess Gary "talked" to his team and told them they should play better, but in the long run the Terps hung in there.

Buschman, people can talk all day about Carolina, Dook, and Wake, but ever since Gary Williams showed up in College Park, the Terps are the most dangerously unpredictable team in the ACC. And probably the most underrated as well.

Texas Tech wins and the place goes crazy. What a game, what a three point shot. They show Knight and he's stoned faced as usual. LOL!

Red, you certainly got that right - Maryland is very unpredictable. They tend to have big wins then turn around and play like dog poo the next game. It will be interesting to see if they keep it going tomorrow nite against the Wolfpack.

Kansas lost this week, Kentucky lost this week -- we romped tonight. If we make it past Iowa at Iowa on Saturday, it's smooth sailing until the Big Ten tournament!

:thumb:

I just can't believe it's really happening!

and Dook lost tonight. Do not over look the game AT Ohio St.

26-0!

Damn! Is it too early to start drinking? These guys are killing me! (Yeah, I know. I should just calm down and TRUST!)

27-0!!! :bounce:

Lem's right. Ohio State is the only worry now.

27-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cuse lost another tough one tonight. BC played hard and killed SU on the boards. I give them a lot of credit. They played with a lot of emotion.
But it was very frustrating to see Warrick not touch the ball in the 2nd half.
Just poor execution on offense and terrible rebounding.
Cuse is 1-5 against top 25 teams. Remember that stat come tournament time.

UConn did what they were supposed to do and beat Rutgers. I didn't think it would by so much considering they were playing at the RAC.

The NCAAs is in sight!!!

27-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Illinois is the best team in the nation. Whether or not they win it all will obviously depend on many things.

Still, we're all just living in their world. Surprises aside, they're the best.

When I look at State's losses, I think of Duke (who will never shoot 60% from the 3 point line again, and are now being exposed), I think of Wisconsin (horrible referees, retarded playing), I think of Illinois (MSU played their best, but were completely outclassed).

The Illinois loss is the only one that DOESN'T hurt, because it's so abundantly clear that we're not in their league. Perfectly matched, perfectly played, perfectly coached.

When the #1 team completely outclasses the #10 team at their absolute best, you've got f*cking trouble.

It's Illinois' tournament to lose.

Illinois is on the verge to doing something very very special that hasn't been seen in a long time. Can't wait to hear about how the Big Ten is down. My point the Bigten has been down over the last 30 years several times and no team has been able to go undefeated since Indiana. How about the 89 National Champs Michigan, The Fab five years, Michigan States championship 2000, 1979..Indiana championships in the 80's. Purdue won the Big Ten like 5 times in a row in the 90's. and also the Illinois teams that have ruled the decade so far. None of these great teams could go undefeated.

Please please please Georgia Tech beat Duke tonight. Not playing for shit in any aspect of their game right now and this needs to be a statement game to turn that around and get into the big dance.

Illinois is on the verge to doing something very very special that hasn't been seen in a long time. Can't wait to hear about how the Big Ten is down. None of these great teams could go undefeated.

I'd just let it blow-over.

I'd have to agree with them, in fact, but who cares?

Yeah, if Purdue and Michigan had assembled teams that were even *remotely* decent, let alone great, then Illinois' chances of losing at least one Big Ten game are increased dramatically.

Illinois could lose their first game in the Big Ten tournament (which is a farce), and it isn't going to stop them from killing people when it counts.

Sweet! Sweet!!! Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I wish they could ALL be like that! Please let us be this hot against Ohio State!!

28-0

28-0, who could that be?

28-0

28-0, who could that be?

total ass whooping! damn.

that was just domination.
i just hope that they can handle the pressure of the big tournament games.... too many blowouts this year.

i am getting my credit card ready for some merchandise!

Wow that was the best game since the Wake Forest game.
They put on a show.. If Luther Head could of got that dunk down, that would of been the most impressive dunk an illini has ever made. I've been putting a wish list of tournament teams to play.
Would like to see them face:
Texas Tech, Austin Peay, Duke, North Carolina, Kansas.
Onward to the championship game..39-0

I'm going to hang with my DePaul Blue Demons as long as they are alive. There is no doubt that they will be in the tournament this year, but I will root for the Illini as long as they aren't playing DePaul.

Contrats to Jim Boeheim for getting his 700th victory today. :thumb:

I'll 2nd that one Pasadena.
Say what you want about the guy, but he has meant everything to Syracuse University. 40 years as a player, assistent coach and head coach. Very impressive, a total class act.
In my mind he doesn't get the credit he deserves as a coach and recruiter. Hopefully as his accomplishments rack up that will change.
To this day I am amazed he gets talent to go to SU. I mean this is upstate NY in the winter?
Thank you coach for giving us something to cheer about and thanks to Pace, Warrick and Forth for giving us a great 4 years on the court and for graduating on time. A rarity these days.

What's up with the crazy coach for Temple, Don Chaney? He sends in a 'goon' into the game because he didn't like the no-calls made on St. Joseph's for illegal screens. This 'goon' fouls out in 4 minutes while breaking the arm of a St. Joe player.

I read today that Chaney is suspended a couple of games and that he called the hurt St. Joe player and his parent's to apologize. This player is a senior and is out for the rest of the season. Nothing like some idiot taking something away from you that you can't get back....ever.

Nice going Chaney you idiot!!!

The man is a great coach but made just a bad, bad decision.

Good job Ga Tech on winning last night. They still have their hopes alive to make the big dance. Just beat Clemson and Wake and they are in for sure. Givem Hell Tech

Indiana upsets Michigan St. in OT. Hopefully this solidifies our tournament chances.

Tarheels got a big win in a tough game. The real Maryland team showed up and it was a good'n. :thumb:

Indiana upsets Michigan St. in OT. Hopefully this solidifies our tournament chances.
Woohoo!!! That means we win the Big Ten title outright again! But no official celebrating until we win our last two games. If we lose either of those, it will really put a black mark on this (so far perfect) exceptional season!!!!!

It's been a difficult weekend without an Illini game to watch. Forgive me!

UConn goes into Pittsburgh and come out with a big win. Looks like they could be looking at no worse than a #4 seed in the tournament. I want the rematch against BC in the Big East Tournament Championship!!!

Georgetown and Notre Dame are certainly on the bubble now.

What's up with the crazy coach for Temple, Don Chaney? He sends in a 'goon' into the game because he didn't like the no-calls made on St. Joseph's for illegal screens. This 'goon' fouls out in 4 minutes while breaking the arm of a St. Joe player.

I read today that Chaney is suspended a couple of games and that he called the hurt St. Joe player and his parent's to apologize. This player is a senior and is out for the rest of the season. Nothing like some idiot taking something away from you that you can't get back....ever.

Nice going Chaney you idiot!!!

The man is a great coach but made just a bad, bad decision.

He needs to go. Coaches aren't allowed to have judgement that poor. That act was a disgrace to the profession, which is awful considering he's been an institution at Temple. And this isn't his first act, either. Anyone recall him going after Calipari, saying he was going to kill him?

Besides, I hate the fucker because my college coach had us practicing at 6am because Temple did it :)

You know, it doesn't excuse the behavior, but you can't tell me this doesn't go on in basketball. If bobby Knight got to keep his job for so long, and is still coaching, Cheney has got a long way to go.

IMHO its time for Chaney to step down. The guy has proven time and time again he has no self control. Bob Knight should not have been allowed to continue his coaching carrier either.

It doesn't go on the way it just did...

And Knight never did this - he did a lot of fucked up things, but he never sent a guy into a game to intentionally commit hard fouls, and then brag about it after the fact, when someone got hurt.

This wasn't a little brain fart - he sent the guy in, he watched him foul guys, he saw someone get hurt, the game ended, he went into the press conference, and then he bragged about being a mean sonofabitch or whatever he said. All because he didn't like the way the refs called moving picks :rolleyes:

No, he needs to go on this one. Actions of a two bit punk.

I saw Cheney speak once, all in the same weekend I saw Bob Huggins speak, Rick Pitino, Mike Krzyzewski, and many more. He is a character, funny, intriguing, intelligent, and intense. He definitely hold a grudge against Tarkanian for stealing and/or popularizing the Amoeba Zone Defense Cheney designed.

He sent the guy in to commit hard fouls. I have played rough games, and I have not only been told, but told players to go rougher against certain teams for a variety of different reasons. As a player, the first quarter was my testing ground. I would go as far, and as hard as I could until a referee would call a foul. Then I knew my limit. Sometimes, a ref was terrible and I got away with murder. Others, I couldn't even hand check a guy in the post. It was never, ever my intention, no matter how bad it got, to ever hurt someone. But, I might have sent messages to, that I wouldn't take any shit.

If my team was down by 30 points, and there was 8 seconds left, and the other team tried to set up an alley oop play to finish the game--it's not going to happen, especially if I'm at home. You are NOT going to show me up when you are already up by 30. If I foul you hard, you deserve it. But there is no intent to break your arm, and if you fall awkwardly, I'd feel horrible--but the other player was showing bad sportsmanship as well trying to stuff it in our face at the last second, already up by 30.

I have seen coaches foul out their entire team because they are pissed at the refs. It is bad sportsmanship. But I doubt Cheney sent the guy in to actually break bones. But if it's pretty obvious one team is getting away with harder fouls than you, which happens, then you can't back down, you play harder.

Of course he should be suspended, and the player should be suspended just as long. But I don't think he should be fired.

He said he was going to do it before the game, and he bragged about it after the game. There is no defense for this, lovemachine. If he wasn't such a high profile coach, he'd already be gone.

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dperry/www/SICover_030705_Illinois1.jpg

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dperry/www/SICover_030705_Illinois1.jpg

KICK ASS!!!!



gonna have to buy me a couple of those!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


thanks!

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dperry/www/SICover_030705_Illinois1.jpg
Holy Shit!!!!!!!!! I'm loving it!:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Holy Shit!!!!!!!!! I'm loving it!:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

we just got the jinx!

Jim Calhoun got win #700 last night!!!

This better be the year he gets into the Basketball Hall of Fame. How many college coaches have won 700 games AND 2 national titles? Not too many.
Plus, he took a lousy program and made them into a national power.

we just got the jinx!
Jinxes? We ain't got no jinxes. We don't need no jinxes. I ain't showing you any stinkin' jinxes.

29-0 baby!!!!!!!!!!

UNBEATABLE WHEN THEY SHOOT LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that was a clinic.

damn.

what a mistake purdue made before the half. throwing full court out of bounds with 1.1 seconds. dee made them pay.

1 to go!

History will be made.

we just got the jinx!



JINX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UConn finishes up the regular season with a second half whipping of Syracuse. Next up: Big East Tournament!

Bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!
all they had to was win one game to be a part of history. no they will be remembered for nothing.......
couldn't close out the season undefeated.
they could have lost in the big ten tournament i wouldnt have cared.
i am crushed.

no if carolina is ranked #1 i am gonna be pissed. how can you lose 3 game and be ranked #1 over a team that won 29 straight games only to lose the last game of the season.......
we shall see, but it seem right to me.

UConn women won their 12th Big East Conference tournament!!!

Boston College is the most OVERRATED top 10 team in years!

They only are benefitting from a cupcake schedule in the Big East. This team would get smoked by just about every ACC team. Good lick next year when they are in the ACC.:rolleyes:

Tough to argue that the way they have been playing of late, but I don't think the loss will hurt them that much as far as the tourney goes. They probably were not going to be a no.1 seed regardless. They probably would have been a no.2 seed if they had won a game or two in the Big East tourney. With the loss they will probably still be a no.2 seed or perhaps drop to a no.3 seed. I actually think this loss may be better for them. Why kill yourself trying to win the Big East tourney when the real goal should be the NCAA's. I think Al Skinner may have learned this a few years ago when he had Troy Bell and won the Big East tourney only to be beat in the sweet 16, I think, by USC.

UConn just pulled one out against G-Town. Next up: Syracuse

What a shame it was to see BC go down in their final Big East tournament. :D
I agree that they will probably be a 2 or 3 seed.

Watching the UNC vs Clemson game. Been a good game so far.UNC just not looking right. Clemson is playing with a lot of heart. Maybe thats the differnce. If clemson wins might be a cake walk for GT to the ACC championship game. But that id they Beat VaTech and play Clemson in the next round. So good luck GA TECH. GOOOOOOOOOO Jackets "bust that ass"

Nice to see the Cuse get some revenge tonight on UConn.
They played hard and finally rebounded! A hard fought game and luckily they had a big enough lead to hold on.
Now its on to the Big East Final against WV.

Whoo Hooo Georgia Tech is in!!!!!!! Way to go Jackets, last two games playing like you can and should have all year. ACC title game up next. 34 for Bynum today, huge efoort in the win.

GOOOOOO Jackets!!!!!!! T.RYAN what a game that was. Looks like Tech is off the bubble now and are in the Big Dance. Nice timing to start playing again. They looked great all gamet. Just need Elder to start shooting again like he did in the last few games. I hope N.C. State beats up on Duke. Acc Champioship game here we come. Keep on rollin boys.

The Cuse finished off WV to win the Big East title.
Congrats SU! Hopefully they can keep playing with the same intensity come tournament time.
Nice to see Warrick complete his college resume with a Big East title and MVP.

This is for all of you Illini fans......BEWARE of Zack Morely and Chris Wilkinson on Sunday!! Bo Ryan is going to draw up something special for your asses!!:D

This is for all of you Illini fans......BEWARE of Zack Morely and Chris Wilkinson on Sunday!! Bo Ryan is going to draw up something special for your asses!!:D

I'm almost afraid to post here anymore! Damn, that loss almost killed me! I heard that some Illini fans are blaming the loss on the jinx of both the SI cover and the local paper supposedly had a "30-0" headline on their sports page. Michaels could probably explain what's going on there.

Terrible, terrible about Coach Weber's mother! I felt so bad for him watching the game today.

About that game -- must the team continue to scare the crap out of me game after game? I'm aging rapidly and I'm ONLY 25! We MUST win against Wisconsin this time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a UConn fan, I was shocked that they received a #2 seed even though they didn't even make it to the Big East Championship finals. I figured a #3 but I'm not complaining.

This is for all of you Illini fans......BEWARE of Zack Morely and Chris Wilkinson on Sunday!! Bo Ryan is going to draw up something special for your asses!!:D
Ohh boy....what was I thinking? A few to many beers with my Dad and brothers and....well ya know what happens!:drunk: Good job Illini...should make the tourney a little more exciting with a 1 loss team...or in Illini fans case: more stressfull.

All right, let's talk bracketology. I fill out my brackets one time, one time only, and I don't bet one red cent on the tournament. That makes me one helluva fan. But anyway, I've got Arizona taking out Illinois, then losing to Wake in the semifinal. I've got UNC taking out UConn, then beating Dook in the semi. That's right, Wake and UNC, UNC takes the crown, all hail the Mighty UNC Tarheels.

I didn't say their recent suckass play was a factor in this determination. :thumb:


So what's up, basketball fans, what are the highlights of your bracketing?

All right, let's talk bracketology. I fill out my brackets one time, one time only, and I don't bet one red cent on the tournament. That makes me one helluva fan. But anyway, I've got Arizona taking out Illinois, then losing to Wake in the semifinal. I've got UNC taking out UConn, then beating Dook in the semi. That's right, Wake and UNC, UNC takes the crown, all hail the Mighty UNC Tarheels.

I didn't say their recent suckass play was a factor in this determination. :thumb:


So what's up, basketball fans, what are the highlights of your bracketing?

quit smoking that "medicinal" stuff.

illinois losing to arizona!
wake in the finals!!!
did you see what illinois did to wake? spanked that ass.

just nonsense!

I know I'm in Kansas and it may seem sacreligious, but I'm cheering for Gonzaga. They're out of Spokane, WA., and my Dad cheers for them, so I try to give them a little midwest love. If they go out then I cheer for Kansas.

quit smoking that "medicinal" stuff.



:devil:

Wake has a tough row to hoe, so to speak, but I think they'll make it through WV, Zag, and Louisville before meeting up with AZ.

I just wanted to kick start the thread, actually. It's tourney time, after all.

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!!! MARCH MADNESS IS HERE!!!!! :bounce:

:devil:

Wake has a tough row to hoe, so to speak, but I think they'll make it through WV, Zag, and Louisville before meeting up with AZ.

I just wanted to kick start the thread, actually. It's tourney time, after all.

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!!! MARCH MADNESS IS HERE!!!!! :bounce:
i really really hope that we can see an illini, tarheel final. a chance to see the 2 best teams in the nation battle it out. i am tired of all these tarheel yahoos around me talking smack, they cant talk it much cause they lost more games, lost the tournament and have not been number 1 this season.... oh wait they were at the begining weren't they before they got spanked by SANTA CLARA!!!

Illinois was 6 seconds from being undefeated......

Tarheel fans are just like Earnhardt fans, some live in reality and some think their team can do no wrong.

I've said it before, you never know what you get with the Tarheels. They are, historically, a top program, and they also lose games they should easily win. The UNC-Illini matchup you mention is definitely what I'd like to see, and Illinois has to be the favorite to actually get there, but when I sat down and threw darts at this bracket, I see AZ pulling a bit of an upset. When it's all said and done and we get to the Great Eight or whatever, I see all big-name majors filling all of the spots, and it will make for some outstanding college basketball action.

Illinois got a really nifty bracket, by the way. :eek:

Can't stop the Mighty Panther!
Alabama is done.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wiml/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/63037.jpeg

Tarheel fans are just like Earnhardt fans, some live in reality and some think their team can do no wrong.

I've said it before, you never know what you get with the Tarheels. They are, historically, a top program, and they also lose games they should easily win. The UNC-Illini matchup you mention is definitely what I'd like to see, and Illinois has to be the favorite to actually get there, but when I sat down and threw darts at this bracket, I see AZ pulling a bit of an upset. When it's all said and done and we get to the Great Eight or whatever, I see all big-name majors filling all of the spots, and it will make for some outstanding college basketball action.

Illinois got a really nifty bracket, by the way. :eek:

yeah. i ain't liking the teams they put in our bracket. could be a bumpy road. the guards have to get their shots back before the sweet sixteen, they have gone cold the last 3 games.
i am a bit concerned, course having grown up there in champaign i have seen many good, good teams eat it in the tournament early.

Damn. This is one of the best times of the year to be a sports fan. College hoops, spring training with opening day looming.

Early First round action: Pacific beating Pitt, Milwaukee Wisconsin over Bama. The tournament is the best!
If present form holds my pool is pretty much done already.

Can't stop the Mighty Panther!
Alabama is done.

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wiml/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/63037.jpegDAMN STRAIGHT!:bounce:

SWEET My Hawkeyes just lost in the first round. Now...I wonder how soon they'll send Alford packing. That little Bobby Knight prodigy POS has worn out his welcome as far as I'm concerned.

It's time Bowlsby grows a pair and hacks this bastard before he ruins the credibility of Iowa Basketball any longer.

My Lord.....with seven minutes left in the 1st half, UNC is up 42-19 over Oakland, and freshman Marvin Williams is going the hell off.......

I should have bought a scalped ticket, this game is about 20 miles from my residence.

Ol' Roy must have put his foot in the 'Heels' collective behinds after last weekend's fiasco.....


Of course, Oakland is the play-in winner, and appears to be at least six inches shorter, on average....

Thank you Syracuse for ripping out my heart. I am in shock.
Please excuse me while I drown my sorrows in a case of Guiness....

I had Syracuse going pretty far in most of my brackets, but I couldn't help but root for Vermont. I live in NH, so Vermont is a stone's throw away and there is something about this team that reminds you of a Valpo or even a Gonzaga of a few years back.

What the heck happened to Kansas???? Big upset day, Syracuse, Kansas.....It sucked I had to work during the Syracuse game and Wisconsin game!!! Tourney time is the best basketball around! Gotta check out how bad my brackets are now.:irked:

My Austin bracket is almost screwed totally with the Syracuse loss. My Syracuse bracket is fine if Wisconsin wins their next....Kentucky HAS to win the next 2 for my Austin bracket to be worth a shit.....ahh the possibilities!

That Kansas loss blew my brackets out the window, but you know what? I don't give a rat's ass because KANSAS LOST!!!!!!!!!! HA!HA!HA!HA!HA!HA! (I'm petty that way!)

(Syracuse already made me lose any chance of winning our pool -- so this one made it all worthwhile!)

ETA -- Sorry BuzzzB -- but I just can't help it! Karma bites Bill Self in the butt! (Although we're better off with Bruce Weber anyway -- it just seems right for Self to go down!)

yeah kansas not covering just cost me a 10,000 dollar winning pro-line ticket so please keep your ha ha ha to yourself........just kiddin but (excuse the CAPS) FUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

I went 27-5 in round one. I'm not in a pool.

'Cuse and Kansas are my underachievers, baby!

So who had Bucknell? Anyone? Bueller?

Thank you Syracuse for ripping out my heart. I am in shock.

You and me both. I was secretly worried about this game because of Syracuse's first round history. Most notably Richmond. Ughhh...

Having lived in Vermont i can't stand the place. Now i despise it. :yell:

Here's the funny part:

I see Michigan State beating Vermont.

Then, I believe, they playe Duke.

And if somebody does a search, they'll see that I proclaimed that Duke ONLY beat MSU because they hit like 70% of their 3-pointers, which would NEVER happen again! Most teams PRAY to hit 30% of their 3-pointers.

So, if MSU does indeed beat Vermont, I guess we'll indeed see who was right when they play Duke!! :D Clearly, I could be proven to be full of sh*t! :drunk:

I would be very, very proud of MSU if they beat Vermont, and then Duke.

UConn advances to play NC State while Syracuse, Pittsburgh and BC have all gone down.

A double-overtime heartbreaker for Wake Forest tonight.

A double-overtime heartbreaker for Wake Forest tonight.Ahhh SHIT!!! There goes my champion pick.....what a tourney! UPSETS galore!!!

A little salt in the post SU loss wound.
It's nice to see the Big East represent. BC, UConn, SU, Pitt all done early. What the F***!
Who would have thought that WV and Nova would be the ones left standing.
It has been a crazy tournament to say the least.

I bet the thousands of NC State fans who signed the petition at fireherbsendek.com feel pretty stupid right now. I wonder if they've got the ol' delete entry/back-on-the-bandwagon function over there. HAHAHAHA.

I bet the thousands of NC State fans who signed the petition at fireherbsendek.com feel pretty stupid right now. I wonder if they've got the ol' delete entry/back-on-the-bandwagon function over there. HAHAHAHA.:funny: haha, no shit man!:D

My brackets have gone to shit! I had Wake in the final four in most of my brackets and winning it all in a couple of them. Kansas, Uconn, Syracuse, Oklahoma WTF?

Wisc-Milwaukee is tough. I thought, for the most part, that BC played a good game. Wisc-Mil just kept making big play after big play. That and Doornekamp for BC sucks and should have never been on the floor. Wisc-Mil will give Illinois all they can handle.

The Madness is back!

UConn looked pretty bad yesterday. When your point guard who is not named Allen Iverson is taking the most shots, you are usually in trouble. Marcus Williams is a really good point guard with a good shot but there were a couple other guys who just disappeared on offense. NC State is not a bad team nor are they a great team. I think 4 out of 5 times, UConn would have beaten them. Unfortunately, the tournament is not a series but "1 and done".

UConn women's team beat up on Dartmouth and face Florida State tomorrow.

We picked teams out of a hat and I have 4 in left still in the Sweet Sixteen! Should be about 160 bucks, if I have a winner. Tell me if I've got any chance-'cause I don't pay attention to this stuff at all until this time of year.

I've got:

Oklahoma St.
Villanova
Kentucky
Michigan St.

We picked teams out of a hat and I have 4 in left still in the Sweet Sixteen! Should be about 160 bucks, if I have a winner. Tell me if I've got any chance-'cause I don't pay attention to this stuff at all until this time of year.

I've got:

Oklahoma St.
Villanova
Kentucky
Michigan St.


I would say that Oklahoma St. and Kentucky are your best shots out of the four there. The great thing about March Madness though is that anybody can win, as we have already seen this year.

The Spartans shot themselves in the foot against Wisconsin, and would've been in the game against Duke had their players not shot like 60%+ from 3-point range. That will never, EVER happen again, not even against midgets.

This is a quote from January 30th, 2005.

I told you THEN, what you've learned TONIGHT.

Duke is fatally flawed. They're like the 2003 Pistons....built from the outside-in.

Not against a team that plays defense, and has hustlers, let alone an inside presence.

To quote myself, they will never, EVER shoot 60% from 3-point range again, "not even against midgets".

Will State win the tournament? H*ll no. They're not even in the same league as Illinois, who only lose when they fall asleep at the wheel.

That said, this is g*dd*mn awesome. :devil:

I see MSU going to the Final 4.

On Wisconsin!!! (do I here an echo?):D

Still have all my final four picks alive. :thumb:

(Illinois, Louisville, North Carolina, and my KY Wildcats)

I have to say though that 'Nova got ROBBED on that travel call. :wtf:

Still have all my final four picks alive. :thumb:

(Illinois, Louisville, North Carolina, and my KY Wildcats)

I have to say though that 'Nova got ROBBED on that travel call. :wtf:Alright...shut up!:{ :D
Good job with your picks!!!

As usual some pretty good surprises at this point in the tournament. Wake losing really did surprise me though.


GO HEELS!!!!!!!

Omigod!!!!!! They're trying to KILL me! I'm surprised I'm sober enough to post at this point! Fifteen points down with 3 minutes left, then OT, then win by 1 point? Just enough to win. I guess I can live with that (even though it's aging me before my time!).

(Louisville looks really tough, though!)

Omigod!!!!!! They're trying to KILL me! I'm surprised I'm sober enough to post at this point! Fifteen points down with 3 minutes left, then OT, then win by 1 point? Just enough to win. I guess I can live with that (even though it's aging me before my time!).

(Louisville looks really tough, though!)


You and me both, BNB! Down 15 with 4 minutes left, everything they put up was clanking, everything AZ did was perfect, and I was already burying them. But those guys...man, you gotta admire the heart. A truly amazing comeback. I was jumping all over my living room!

Team of destiny? Ya' gotta start thinking about it. I'm not too worried about Louisville--if we build the lead that WV did on them, there's no WAY they're coming back--not with our D.

I want Carolina Blue. I want the smirky Roy Williams and that hotshot little freshman of his and the whole thing. Let's settle this "who's really #1" arguement once and for all.

Arizona losing was one of the biggest chokes I have ever seen. Up 14 with 3 minutes to play and you can't get it done! All you have to do is take care of the ball, run the clock, and make one or two more buckets. Lute Olsen is probably still banging his head against a wall somewhere right now.

WOW.....The illini score 30 points in 9 mins.
With four mins left in the game they had 60 points!!!!!!!!!
I have no voice right now, was there when they came home off the bus. Had my Illinois flag, waving it proud. Final Four once again!!!!!!!!!

WOW.....The illini score 30 points in 9 mins.
With four mins left in the game they had 60 points!!!!!!!!!
I have no voice right now, was there when they came home off the bus. Had my Illinois flag, waving it proud. Final Four once again!!!!!!!!!
Hey! Michaels lives! I was starting to worry there for awhile. That must have been so cool to be there when they came back! Just saw Weber and Williams during halftime of the KY/MSU game -- Weber's voice is almost gone, too! Ha! Ha! What have you two been up to? ;)

I see MSU going to the Final 4.

You see clearly, then.

....wait, I'm talking to myself......

Too bad they play Carolina next. :(

Aw hell, I'm gonna live it up until then!!! 4 Final Four appearances since 1999 for MSU?? The Magic is back, baby!

GO SPARTANS!

Anybody wanna light their couch on fire? :D

I want Carolina Blue. I want the smirky Roy Williams and that hotshot little freshman of his and the whole thing. Let's settle this "who's really #1" arguement once and for all.

Careful what you wish for....... ;)

4 Final Four appearances since 1999 for MSU?? The Magic is back, baby!

.....and FIVE appearances in the Elite 8 since 1999, as well. FIVE times in 7 years. Izzo is outta his mind!

Seriously, this is awesome. I'm so pumped. Izzo deserves his props.

Hey! Michaels lives! I was starting to worry there for awhile. That must have been so cool to be there when they came back! Just saw Weber and Williams during halftime of the KY/MSU game -- Weber's voice is almost gone, too! Ha! Ha! What have you two been up to? ;)
http://img190.exs.cx/img190/3346/dwill8x69xq.jpg

what a game......
i had given up on them.... i shouldn't have but i did. wow..... what heart. what a comeback. unbelieveable!!!!!!
destiny baby!!

here is a bit of useless trivia for ya.....
the final score of 89-90 is also the last year illinois made it to the final four.....

destiny!

Well today is the day...Time for the Illini to put on a show...hopefully they will save the best for Monday night though. My suffering shall be over soon!!!! :drunk:

Well today is the day...Time for the Illini to put on a show...hopefully they will save the best for Monday night though. My suffering shall be over soon!!!! :drunk:
Damn, Michaels! If this is what you call suffering -- BRING IT ON!!!!!!

OMIGOD -- I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!! This is the BIG ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

namedmydaughterHALEN -- Don't give up, man! Don't EVER give up -- the Illini don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, guys, but I had to post before I pass out! :drunk: I don't even CARE who wins the next game -- we're gonna destroy them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bounce::bounce::bounce:

I can't decide where to watch the championship game!!!!!!!!!
The Assembly Hall will be showing it on the big screen, imagine that crowd..wow Champaign was outta control :eek:
One more win and thats a record. :thumb:

I can't decide where to watch the championship game!!!!!!!!!
The Assembly Hall will be showing it on the big screen, imagine that crowd..wow Champaign was outta control :eek:
One more win and thats a record. :thumb:


A buddy of mine is driving down from Galesburg to be there. Wish I could...

Tar Heels, Schmar Heels. ;) Actually, this is the way it should be--the 2 best teams in the nation going at it head-to-head. It's the matchup everyone wanted.

Let's rock.

Damn, Michaels! If this is what you call suffering -- BRING IT ON!!!!!!

OMIGOD -- I can't believe it!!!!!!!!!! This is the BIG ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

namedmydaughterHALEN -- Don't give up, man! Don't EVER give up -- the Illini don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, guys, but I had to post before I pass out! :drunk: I don't even CARE who wins the next game -- we're gonna destroy them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bounce::bounce::bounce:

DEAR GOD!!! i hope we win tonight. i already have butterflies. wish i was at the assembly hall tonight. i was there in 89 when the team came home from seattle. that was very cool.
LETS GO ORANGE!!!

http://img193.exs.cx/img193/3151/poster22an.th.jpg (http://img193.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img193&image=poster22an.jpg)

Go Illini, finish the job tonight boys.

I'm heading down to the Edward Jones Dome in about an hour. Gonna go cheer us on to an Illini National Title!

Look for me on TV. I'll be the one in the orange shirt!

I'm heading down to the Edward Jones Dome in about an hour. Gonna go cheer us on to an Illini National Title!

Look for me on TV. I'll be the one in the orange shirt!LOL! That is funny man! I'll be watching for you in the sea of orange....do the 5150 dance for attention!

There was some high level basketball being played last night.
For Illinois to come back from 15 down in seemingly no time at all, for NC to maintain their composure after the Illinois run, the fact that there were virtually no turnovers in the 2nd half. Big shot after, big shot.
Damn, that was a great game to watch.
Sean May was outstanding, the Illinois guards were awesome. Sorry to see someone lose, but I am happy for Roy Williams. Now everyone can shut up about him being the best coach to never win.
Anyone else hate Packer and Nantz? Each year I think they can't get any worse, and each year I am wrong.

Ahh...the Heels do it again. Truely a great game, I'm happy for Roy as well.
Sean May, has potential to be a really good big man in the NBA.

Damn Tar Heels!!!!

I would have won the pool I was in if Illinois won.

There was some high level basketball being played last night.
For Illinois to come back from 15 down in seemingly no time at all, for NC to maintain their composure after the Illinois run, the fact that there were virtually no turnovers in the 2nd half. Big shot after, big shot.
Damn, that was a great game to watch.
Sean May was outstanding, the Illinois guards were awesome. Sorry to see someone lose, but I am happy for Roy Williams. Now everyone can shut up about him being the best coach to never win.
Anyone else hate Packer and Nantz? Each year I think they can't get any worse, and each year I am wrong.


I agree with everything you just said, even though I'm too depressed to function today. Ouchie.

I agree with everything you just said, even though I'm too depressed to function today. Ouchie.
i am just crushed. can't believe they let the heels beat them. so much promise......

yeah i know we should be happy that they had the magical season that they did but this just stings!!

worse than when the panthers lost the super bowl.

I am just sick! Heartsick. Physically sick. I couldn't even go to work today.

Congratulations to the team on their best season ever, but...
the only way I can make lemonade out if this is to hope it causes Dee and Deron to stay another year and make it 39-0 next year?

wow was that depressing, what hurts the worst was that game was there for the taking after they made mistake after mistake...Why o why did dee brown pass up the wide open 3 in the corner, why did he not take the layup on a 3 -1 break like he has done all year. Augistine had 4 fouls and his defender didn't even have the ball WTF When Illinois tied that game at 70 and had 3 chances to take the lead, i would think everyone in the country was thinking Illinois would win that game. :brickwall
They are celebrating at Memorial Staduim right now, i'm at work so i can't go but hopefully Williams comes back and they do it all over again. :thumb:

Thanks Illini for a great season! :thumb:

Thanks Illini for a great season! :thumb:
hell yeah.

thanks for the memories!!! it was a hell of a ride! :thumb:

I got to admit Illinois is good, but yall have no bigman, no one in the NCAA can stop Sean May, he is completley unstoppable.

GOOD JOB TARHEELS BRINGING THE 4TH CHAMPIONSHIP HOME

I am just sick! Heartsick. Physically sick. I couldn't even go to work today.

Congratulations to the team on their best season ever, but...
the only way I can make lemonade out if this is to hope it causes Dee and Deron to stay another year and make it 39-0 next year?

Wish you were right but Duke is gonna be DAMN good next year, so im going to enjoy carolina being number 1 as long as i can

I am just sick! Heartsick. Physically sick. I couldn't even go to work today.

Congratulations to the team on their best season ever, but...
the only way I can make lemonade out if this is to hope it causes Dee and Deron to stay another year and make it 39-0 next year?
Well, as they say, "the party's over". Deron got an agent a few weeks ago, so he's long gone, and today Dee said he's going to some tryout camps, but doesn't have an agent yet. And some highly touted "big man" from the Chicago area picked Missouri over Illinois today, too.

Deron's gone, Dee will be soon -- I'm just waiting for Weber to say he's going to the NBA. Sigh!

Well, as they say, "the party's over". Deron got an agent a few weeks ago, so he's long gone, and today Dee said he's going to some tryout camps, but doesn't have an agent yet. And some highly touted "big man" from the Chicago area picked Missouri over Illinois today, too.

Deron's gone, Dee will be soon -- I'm just waiting for Weber to say he's going to the NBA. Sigh!
Woohoo! There's hope in Champaign yet! Dee Brown is staying for his senior year! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: