Illini at Wisconsin preview: welcome to the Kohl Center, where offense goes to die

by Joe Kutsunis on Feb 9, 2010 2:05 AM CST Comment 11 comments

This is not dramatic chipmunk, it is in fact Bo Ryan. (AP Photo/Joe Koshollek)

The Illini are going to lose this game. I have prepared myself for it.

I know, I know, the Illini just came off of the biggest win of the year against Michigan State.

I also know that the Illini are riding a 4 game winning streak. That they are playing their best basketball right now, that they are in a groove, that the offense is explosive, that they are running and shooting like we thought that could.

I understand all of this. I also understand that this is the Kohl Center, and almost none of this matters.

Okay, maybe I am overstating things a little.

What I am getting at is the absurd home court advantage the Badgers and Bo Ryan hold in Madison. Bo Ryan is 66-5 in Big Ten home games. Seriously 61-5 in the Kohl Center against conference opponents.

Bo Ryan beat those very same Spartans last week, holding MSU to just 49 points. They have held 6 Big Ten teams to 50 points or less.

They are the poster child for Big Ten slow plodding offenses.win all their games by using up all the shot clock they can, taking makeable shots, and then getting the rebound so they can do it all over again. They will not let you run their offense. They will more than likely break your ribs when you do.

Bo Ryan has been growing players like Bohannon and Leuer in his basement for years, and they are designed for one thing: to make your eyes bleed and hate basketball.

I cannot stand that Bo Ryan wins playing games that have only 48 possessions each. Yeah this game actually happened.

I go through this every year, my annual angry diatribe of hideous Wisconsin basketball. Look man, I know we went all Badgers a couple of times last year but all I have to say is aberration.

You will notice that I didn't break down this game at all. I haven't thought in the least bit about how the Illini match up personnel wise, or who I think needs to show up and have a good game for the Illini to win.

Fact is when it comes to Wisconsin and the Kohl Center, the record speaks for itself, take the Badgers until proven otherwise. Although I would of course be making a criminal offense if I didn't mention that two of the losses Bo does have, are to these very same Illini.

We will see if things can't change tonight.

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Good preview

Unfortunately, you will lose. Exactly as you said, it’s the kohl center. Just as I don’t know if the Badgers could beat you at Assembly Hall. Our two home courts are the best in the big ten.
Go Badgers!

by Tim V on Feb 9, 2010 8:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I actually see Illinois winning this one

Yes, I know the Kohl Center is a very, very, very tough place to play and that they have yet to lose there this season. However, this is a different Illini team and I think this is where they make their run. Note: Illinois has been the most successful Big Ten team in terms of coming away with a “W” at the Kohl. Wisconsin relies a lot on jump shots and good defense, but they don’t have the size that Illinois does. Without Leuer, their tallest starters are 6’8 and 6’6, which poses a huge matchup advantage for Mike&Mike.

Also, Demetri McCamey is playing out of his mind and when he leads this team, they can beat anybody. Just listen to what Izzo had to say about him after Saturday saying, “I told McCamey he’s twice the player he was when he played at our place. He’s so much of a different player.”

I think that if Illinois can bring effort and intensity like they did Saturday, which I think they will, the Illini will come away with the victory 68-64. Illinois can play defense

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by DMAN2303 on Feb 9, 2010 10:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Love the optimism.

I don’t think it will happen, though. I agree with Joe. The Kohl center is just death to all who visit.

Todd Kalas wants to murder that furry green shit
by Albertrayon on Jul 23, 2009 1:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

by Cruiser on Feb 9, 2010 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you did there

Reverse jinx, eh?
Actually — and I say this with a staunch record of heterosexuality — Jon Leuer’s game is a thing of beauty. Without him, your height scares me a tad, but also because McCamey is playing well and he is one of the few point guards in the country that can outmuscle guys like Hughes and Taylor. I am expecting a season split.

by phizz007 on Feb 9, 2010 1:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

A season split? I will take it.

Give me a season split with Wisconsin and Ohio State along with the one we already have with MSU means this team would make the tournament easily.

Hailtotheorange.com

by Joe Kutsunis on Feb 9, 2010 1:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tisdale and Davis

Despite their height, they can be easily displaced, even by undersized teams like iowa.

by Bill Self's Hair Piece on Feb 9, 2010 1:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

So tired of seeing them disappear in games. 4" height advantage? Naw, I won’t look for the ball in the post, I can’t get in the post!

by Jack M on Feb 9, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bo has a secret

It’s the polar bear/ Brian Butch DNA he injects directly into his post players before a big game.

by Bill Self's Hair Piece on Feb 9, 2010 1:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

First he's doing the Soulja Boy . . .

now he actually coaches a home game. Fuck my life.

"Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday." -- Don Marquis
The Blue Note Zone - BY Blues fans, FOR Blues fans!

by Donut King on Feb 9, 2010 1:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i think winning this game

would almost be just as important as beating MSU. not only to boost the illini’s tourney resume with a solid road win over a ranked opponent, but also to boost the illini’s confidence even more by beating extremely home tough wisconsin with at least three more tough regular season games heading into the postseason.

by Mike Wazowski on Feb 9, 2010 4:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs