Illini vs Gophers: do overs edition

Okay, so technically the Illini are still alive in the race for a Big Ten regular season championship. Alot of things have to fall into place just right for the Illini to really threaten though, like beating Michigan State on Sunday, and hopefully MSU also losing to Purdue again. It goes without saying then, that the Illini need to win out, which brings us to tonights game against Minnesota.

Let me get this out of the way right now. Yes, I believe tonight's game will feature a score where both teams break 40. I know I should come to expect it, but between tonight's game and the season finale at Penn State, the next week is more than likely going to be filled with more references to our two sub 40 outputs this year.  I am so tired of the implication that the Illini and the rest of the Big Ten don't have the talent of the offenses other leagues. This Illini team, the same one that scored 33 and 36 against other Big Ten teams, also dropped 75 on the now #11 Missouri Tigers in a blow out and 74 on Clemson (the #12 team) in a 2 point loss. So take that for what it is worth America, you can't discount those two games because of two low scoring losses.

As for tonight though, I am hoping that current trends continue. Specifically the trend that has led  Minnesota to lose 4 of its last 7 games. In fact, since beating Illinois it has only beaten IU and Northwestern, against the tougher competition Tubby was 0-fer, including going 0-4 on the road on that stretch.

This is a slump that is pretty troubling for Gopher fans and could threaten their tournament status. Sound like another team you know? Yeah, Wisconsin in the midst of their 6 losing streak. Frankly, I would not like to be on the recieving end of another slumpbuster. A win against a Top 25 team on the road would sure do wonders for the Gopher's confidence, and look quite nice to the selection committee.

At least in terms of points per game average, Lawrence Westbrook is the biggest offensive threat at over 12ppg. He is the only Gopher averaging double digits right now. My best bet is that he will be guarded by Chet tonight, and Westbrook will be held below his season average,  because that's just what he does.

Key, I believe for the Illini to win tonight, will be how Tisdale and Davis play. If the team can get easy points in the paint, it should lead to open shots for the guards, and hopefully more points. On the boards if Mike and Mike can step it up for offensive rebounds we can hopefully score with second chance points. All of these of course should lead to a respectable scoring output, something that every fan will be hoping for.

I myself will be at the game tonight, probably so high up in the rafters I wont even be able to hear Bruce scream. Anyway, I leave the open thread to you guys, I hope all goes well in my absence.