So dramatic. They weren’t dominant because we played hard nosed defense. So did they. Their whole calling card is playing tough D and and rebounding and limiting the three point shot. They’re old and experienced and physical. Our young team that returned almost nothing from a a year ago matched their intensity.
Whether true or not, the facts are the facts. Yes the ILLINI were the Vols toughest test to date, yes the ILLINI played hard, but if we are what some say/think we are, then you do not NOT take advantage of playing with intensity and finding a way to win. The Vols were at a supreme disadvantage (7 players) and we put them in a much bigger disadvantage by taking 2 of their top players away.
Reality 14:32-9:35 first half no field goals. 9:35 was a layup, next FG in 1st half was 5:29 layup, other than free throws, that was the scoring the last 9:35 of the first half, intensity isn't making up for that.
Reality 18:13-16:22 2 layups, 14:22-12:16 layup and 1 3 pt shot.
I could go on, the reality is we did not do what we should have been able to do with the cards dealt. We just didn't do it, the players didn't (yea they had intensity-hell almost every college game has that), we are simply not as good as we all had hoped this year would be. Will it be in March, I hope so, but this game was a dramatic one and we failed miserably in many areas. Intensity wasn't one of them.
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by Miles Leonard TRANSFER PORTAL 2026 by Judge Judy
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