(H to the) Izzo. Illini vs Spartans preview.

So, what to say about this game, other than the fact that the entirety of our championship aspirations depend upon it. It may lead to a three way shared title for the Illini, but would any of us really turn that down at this point?

Assembly Hall will be hosting a Senior day matchup between top 10 and top 20 teams, with nothiing less than the Conference Crown on the line. Yes, it is a sellout. Yes i the Hall will be rockin. And no, I didnt get a ticket.  Regardless, lets get to meat of this shall we.

When last these two teams met, Illinois led most of the way, helped by strong jump shooting and MSU repeatedly turning it over. Unfortunately for the Illini, the wheels fell off as the lead evaporated in the closing minutes. When the Spartans started to run and push.

One of the key match ups will be Mike Tisdale against Goran Suton or Marquis Gray down low. I am pretty much conceding the rebound battle to MSU right now, but I am hopeful that Tisdale will be able to better defend under the basket. We cannot allow the sort of bunnies that got through against Minnesota.

Chester is more than likely going to  be matched up against Kalin Lucas, but that still leaves Raymar Morgan to be dealt with. With rebounding and speed in favor of MSU, I sure hope the Illini hit their shots, because there could be quite a few fast breaks going the other way if that is not the case.

Good news is, with the exception of Chester, the entire starting lineup is averaging in double figures for points. If we keep the keep our possessions efficient, take open shots, slow the game down, we can definitely beat this team. It would help of course if the tight man defense creates as many turnovers as it did in East Lansing.

Oddly enough, the last time these teams met, Alex Legion actually led the team in scoring with 15 points off the bench. He has not matched that output since. Hey today is as good as any for things to click, right?

On a personal note, today is Senior day, and I am a graduating senior here in Champaign. The Minnesota game will end up being the last home game that I attend as a student.  So in honor of Senior day, I'd like to single out rhe 4 graduating seniors on the team. Trent Meacham who transferred to Illinois, just like me, because its always where he had wanted to go. C.J Jackson who is  by far my favorite dual sport player. Calvin Brock who has seen the highest of the high and the lowest of the low for this program over his 5 seasons in Champaign. And lastly Chester Frazier, who in his senior year has transformed himself into the catalyst of the offense the best defender, and the heart and soul of the basketball team. He caught a lot of flack for his play last year, but this year, there are very few people who would criticize this guy.

Way to go guys, you have led the resurgence from last year.