IlliniHQ 2

General Category => Fighting Illini Basketball Forum => Topic started by: Miles Leonard on March 15, 2026, 05:09:40 PM

Title: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 15, 2026, 05:09:40 PM
Discuss TOTTM related things here.

St Johns as a 5 seed. Thought they should have been higher.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 15, 2026, 05:18:49 PM
Purdue got our 2 seed…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 15, 2026, 05:25:09 PM
Bright side: Don't get to lose to Kentucky this year.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 15, 2026, 05:25:44 PM
Guess we're headed to the South
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 15, 2026, 05:29:03 PM
Guess we're headed to the South

South is gonna be loaded…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: wonky73 on March 15, 2026, 05:33:27 PM
3 seems fair with the collapse down the stretch
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 15, 2026, 05:33:40 PM
Great. Get to lose to NC
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 15, 2026, 05:34:11 PM
Our first round opponent is Penn. Francon alert!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illinicalvin on March 15, 2026, 05:47:08 PM
UNC is down Caleb Wilson so that's a decent 2nd round matchup. I do not like playing an Ivy League team on Thursday, but it's Fran and they have 11 losses.

Florida is the best 1 we could ask for but we'll get badly pasted by Houston (again) if we both make it to the 2nd weekend.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 15, 2026, 05:49:25 PM
Purdue got our 2 seed…

Yes. In the West. I coulda gone to the S16 game.

Who am I kidding we’d lose to Missouri for sure
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 15, 2026, 05:50:12 PM
Bright side: Don't get to lose to Kentucky this year.

I’d rather that than what is gonna happen instead
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 15, 2026, 05:53:47 PM
UNC is down Caleb Wilson so that's a decent 2nd round matchup. I do not like playing an Ivy League team on Thursday, but it's Fran and they have 11 losses.

Florida is the best 1 we could ask for but we'll get badly pasted by Houston (again) if we both make it to the 2nd weekend.

North Carolina - in South Carolina… this is not good
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ridingthegrange on March 15, 2026, 06:31:06 PM
Given our record down the stretch,  have to be happy with a 3.  Take care of Fran and get our revenge on the heels.  All gravy after that.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 15, 2026, 07:14:00 PM
Zags got a favorable bracket, Iowa St. should breeze, I like St Johns a lot more now than earlier in the year, and Akron could sneak a win out in the first rd also.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 15, 2026, 07:28:52 PM
Hofstra got a 13 seed, Penn got a 14 seed vs us.....Hofstra beat Penn by 17. Hofstra only lost by 4 to UCF, who is a 10 seed who beat Texas Tech by 8, the same team who we beat by 4. So all in all the early line sounds about right....23.5. We will see Sweet 16 route is pretty damn easy imo, if Brad doesn't get it done with this path at least Sweet 16 then man I dunno.....I mean this is borderline an ELITE bracket for us.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 15, 2026, 10:12:23 PM
Hofstra got a 13 seed, Penn got a 14 seed vs us.....Hofstra beat Penn by 17. Hofstra only lost by 4 to UCF, who is a 10 seed who beat Texas Tech by 8, the same team who we beat by 4. So all in all the early line sounds about right....23.5. We will see Sweet 16 route is pretty damn easy imo, if Brad doesn't get it done with this path at least Sweet 16 then man I dunno.....I mean this is borderline an ELITE bracket for us.

North Carolina in Greenville then Houston in Houston?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 15, 2026, 11:15:21 PM
Can’t really complain about the first weekend draw with banged up UNC. Houston and Illini pretty evenly matched in metrics, don’t like it being a home game for them but one could argue we have played better away from home. Suspect they’ll get physical, rattle us, turn us over a lot, and proceed to buttfuck us. But maybe we’ll get hot from 3 and lose in OT instead.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 15, 2026, 11:46:32 PM
I think we got a very favorable bracket, thank god we're not in the east or midwest
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 15, 2026, 11:56:34 PM
Can’t really complain about the first weekend draw with banged up UNC. Houston and Illini pretty evenly matched in metrics, don’t like it being a home game for them but one could argue we have played better away from home. Suspect they’ll get physical, rattle us, turn us over a lot, and proceed to buttfuck us. But maybe we’ll get hot from 3 and lose in OT instead.

Translation : bet the farm on Penn. money line
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 16, 2026, 06:53:41 AM
We played ourselves into a 3. It probably could have been worse and I would have been surprised if we got a 2. Nonetheless, find some moxie or we're going home early. So just beat Fran's ass for starters. 8:25 Thur on TNT.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 16, 2026, 09:34:43 AM
Decent chance the second round would be against VCU and not UNC
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 16, 2026, 09:45:31 AM
Well we have officially been given the Bilas curse:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 16, 2026, 10:34:15 AM
Well we have officially been given the Bilas curse:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48219737/2026-men-ncaa-tournament-jay-bilas-predictions-bracket

He’s on crack
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 16, 2026, 11:46:12 AM
He’s on crack
I agree although reluctantly.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 16, 2026, 12:27:11 PM
He’s on crack

I mean thats why they play the games, i'd be very surprised if we beat houston but who knows maybe this is our year for some outplaying of our seed
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 16, 2026, 12:56:51 PM
I mean thats why they play the games, i'd be very surprised if we beat houston but who knows maybe this is our year for some outplaying of our seed

Given that, I believe, we never ever done it, let's do it.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 16, 2026, 12:59:52 PM
We beat a two seed as a three seed just two years ago
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 16, 2026, 01:17:16 PM
We beat a two seed as a three seed just two years ago

Does Iowa State really count?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 16, 2026, 01:17:56 PM
update your spreadsheet paman!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 16, 2026, 01:35:35 PM
update your spreadsheet paman!

I guess I should count 1 victory over a non-Blue Blood!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 16, 2026, 02:03:07 PM
I guess I should count 1 victory over a non-Blue Blood!

baby steps!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 16, 2026, 02:05:30 PM
We got the #10 spot in the field and the conference gets 6 in the top 20.
1st things 1st. Beat the Quakers.

(https://i.ibb.co/7JT6LF5D/Screenshot-20260316-134713-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TBnFd5SG)
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Lkdog on March 16, 2026, 04:06:23 PM
This is one of the easiest paths to a S16 we have ever had.

We basically then have a four team tournament to get to FF and it is doable if we hit threes, rebound, and guard well enough - and execute at the end of games.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 16, 2026, 08:05:08 PM
Alabama ripe for upset now....what a dumbshit Holloway is....feel free to change the brackets.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 17, 2026, 02:24:43 PM
The Ivy Leaguers are generally annoying as fuck to play but we should dispatch Penn fairly easily.

I wouldn’t automatically pencil in UNC for the 2nd round either.

What happened last month can’t be fixed. It’s time to reset and move forward. Need to come out locked in from the opening jump or GTFO. It’s that simple now.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 17, 2026, 03:55:07 PM
The Ivy Leaguers are generally annoying as fuck to play but we should dispatch Penn fairly easily.

I wouldn’t automatically pencil in UNC for the 2nd round either.

What happened last month can’t be fixed. It’s time to reset and move forward. Need to come out locked in from the opening jump or GTFO. It’s that simple now.
Yep. As Dabo said "bring your own guts."
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 17, 2026, 06:09:04 PM
Everyone worries about what happened the last month, we were shorthanded and then working guys back into the rotation. We lost some really close games to pretty damn good teams because (usually) they got hot from 3 and made their free throws on nights we didn’t.

I think the metric still had us as a top 10 team during that stretch. We’re going to be a tough matchup for just about anybody we play I think. I feel like some of our three-point shooting woes late in the season were indicative of tired legs. Should sure as hell be rested come Thursday.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 17, 2026, 06:37:20 PM
I think the metric still had us as a top 10 team during that stretch. We’re going to be a tough matchup for just about anybody we play I think. I feel like some of our three-point shooting woes late in the season were indicative of tired legs. Should sure as hell be rested come Thursday.

I like your optimism, however we DID, just have a week (5 day) break and didn't work out so well....so let's hope that extra 1 day pays huge dividends.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 17, 2026, 06:43:04 PM
Currently we have a 76% chance to reach the S16, a 37% chance of reaching the E8, house $$$$ if we do that. Pretty good odds.

Final Four currently we have a 18.5% and a 8.5% odds to reach the Natty C-Game....only 4% victory odds to win however.

Based on how we finished this year (disappointing to say the least), and our on again-off again love/like/hate relationship with Underwood, factored in, how many years would we in the past LOVED to have been given this kind of current odds, future perspective, recent past records?

Underwood may not be ALL of what we want, but he has built us back to a level, we has fans have only briefly in the past been able to encounter....I wish the staff and our beloved a long run, and IF we don't make it as far as we want, remember their are so many others teams with worse current/future prospects.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 17, 2026, 06:46:48 PM
Everyone worries about what happened the last month, we were shorthanded and then working guys back into the rotation. We lost some really close games to pretty damn good teams because (usually) they got hot from 3 and made their free throws on nights we didn’t.

I think the metric still had us as a top 10 team during that stretch. We’re going to be a tough matchup for just about anybody we play I think. I feel like some of our three-point shooting woes late in the season were indicative of tired legs. Should sure as hell be rested come Thursday.

Maybe so, but this team has still proven to be a bit slow and a bit soft. I like this team, but they’ve got to get a lot better very quickly if they want to reach their potential.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 17, 2026, 07:52:28 PM
Currently we have a 76% chance to reach the S16, a 37% chance of reaching the E8, house $$$$ if we do that. Pretty good odds.

Final Four currently we have a 18.5% and a 8.5% odds to reach the Natty C-Game....only 4% victory odds to win however.

Based on how we finished this year (disappointing to say the least), and our on again-off again love/like/hate relationship with Underwood, factored in, how many years would we in the past LOVED to have been given this kind of current odds, future perspective, recent past records?

Underwood may not be ALL of what we want, but he has built us back to a level, we has fans have only briefly in the past been able to encounter....I wish the staff and our beloved a long run, and IF we don't make it as far as we want, remember their are so many others teams with worse current/future prospects.

Cignetti waives while wearing his natty hat. Let's get this done. For once.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 17, 2026, 08:19:13 PM
Currently we have a 76% chance to reach the S16, a 37% chance of reaching the E8, house $$$$ if we do that. Pretty good odds.

Final Four currently we have a 18.5% and a 8.5% odds to reach the Natty C-Game....only 4% victory odds to win however.

Based on how we finished this year (disappointing to say the least), and our on again-off again love/like/hate relationship with Underwood, factored in, how many years would we in the past LOVED to have been given this kind of current odds, future perspective, recent past records?

Underwood may not be ALL of what we want, but he has built us back to a level, we has fans have only briefly in the past been able to encounter....I wish the staff and our beloved a long run, and IF we don't make it as far as we want, remember their are so many others teams with worse current/future prospects.

Glad you’re finally realizing this. Our love/hate relationship with Underwood? Most B1G wins this decade, averaging a top 4 seed, putting players in the NBA, etc. We were the #9 overall seed this year.

Yeah, I’m ready for a Final 4, but had TSJ not gotten fucked on that BS charge a couple years ago we almost certainly are a 2 seed in a different region than UConn. We would have had as good a chance as anyone outside of Purdue to get there, and we wouldn’t have been in their bracket.

We have a good draw this year, hope we can make the most of it. If Brad turns this into a F4 appearance he’ll cement himself as an Illini legend.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 17, 2026, 09:20:29 PM
I love that NC State/Texas is just Dickie V and Barkley complaining about the NCAA and NIL.🤣
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 17, 2026, 10:08:46 PM
Our love/hate relationship with Underwood?

There are plenty of past posts, dare I say by almost anyone at any time regarding Underwood, whether he is the right guy or not....that was the reference. As far, as me finally realizing it, I have been overly happy with the team/staff/rosters/willingness to change as required and most certainly the overall winning and results for quite some time. That said however, it doesn't mean I am in love with Underwood, have complained in the past, hell even thought at moments we might be better off with others perhaps.....doesn't mean I didn't realize it and have for a long time, we are all fortunate as fans to be in the position that we are in.

Dare I say the MVP for us so far may very well be Whitman, without him, we don't have Underwood, Bielema, Green, leading the charge for ILLINI athletics. It is certainly great to see.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 17, 2026, 10:29:01 PM
Only took Whitman like 10 years to get things going.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 17, 2026, 10:55:14 PM
Have to make Free Shots to win, dude!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 17, 2026, 10:56:13 PM
Sure looks like Free Shots Matter! Another Tempo Meme going down tonight....

LOL. Clutch shot by that dude trumps the defeat of the meme!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 17, 2026, 11:03:08 PM
Couple of entertaining ones tonight to kick off the TOTTM
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 17, 2026, 11:28:51 PM
Only took Whitman like 10 years to get things going.

Hired February 2016

Bowl games in 19, 22, 24, 25 seasons while also managing to get us off the “never had a minority head coach” list 

NCAA tourneys in 20*, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 (average top 4 seed)

Before that:

No NCAA Tourneys since 2013 
1 minor bowl game under Becktard
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 18, 2026, 12:51:13 AM
Golden era.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 18, 2026, 01:09:38 AM
Couple of entertaining ones tonight to kick off the TOTTM

This guy disagrees. FTR, I did not watch.

(https://i.postimg.cc/3JmWpzVz/IMG-6060.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 18, 2026, 01:48:42 AM
Hired February 2016

Bowl games in 19, 22, 24, 25 seasons while also managing to get us off the “never had a minority head coach” list 

NCAA tourneys in 20*, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 (average top 4 seed)

Before that:

No NCAA Tourneys since 2013 
1 minor bowl game under Becktard

What you see is a golden era, what I see is a guy who finally reached competence in his second contract; and who got lucky that nobody wanted Brett Vielma
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 18, 2026, 06:53:30 AM
What you see is a golden era, what I see is a guy who finally reached competence in his second contract; and who got lucky that nobody wanted Brett Vielma

How many 5 year stretches in your 50 some years have we averaged 8 wins in football and a top 4 seed in basketball?

Hiring Lovie was a really good move. He didn’t win as much as we wanted, but we absolutely had to get off the “never had a minority coach” list and was able to do so with a guy who restored some grace and dignity to the role after the player abuse scandal that ended Beckman’s tenure. He also brought a jolt of energy and fundraising to a beleaguered fanbase. Easy to forget that Bill Cubit was our coach (not ideal) when Whitman arrived.

He hired Underwood in 2016 who has been outstanding here by nearly ever measure. He’s a Final Four appearance away from being in the conversation of best Illinois basketball coach, at least in the modern era.

Fundraising has been exceptional.

Enjoy it because he won’t be around forever
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 18, 2026, 08:49:36 AM
Winning 8 games is much easier today than it was when I was young. They only played 11 games, and you MAYBE got 1 cupcake scheduled vs 2-3 you get today.

Illini Basketball was pretty outstanding most of my knowledge of it minus the Pearl fiasco and Bruce Weber and John Groce cratering the program.

I will admittedly say that I didn't really appreciate Lou Henson until after he was gone. That's on me.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 18, 2026, 10:30:18 AM
Another article listing Wagler....TOP 5 potential breakout stars in this years tourney.

That's some recognition, let's hope A) We don't need it....B) We get it.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48196523/march-madness-player-ranking-ncaa-tournament-cameron-boozer-aj-dybantsa-2026
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 18, 2026, 11:57:13 AM
Winning 8 games is much easier today than it was when I was young. They only played 11 games, and you MAYBE got 1 cupcake scheduled vs 2-3 you get today.

Illini Basketball was pretty outstanding most of my knowledge of it minus the Pearl fiasco and Bruce Weber and John Groce cratering the program.

I will admittedly say that I didn't really appreciate Lou Henson until after he was gone. That's on me.

The 30-0 run makes us forget that getting to the Elite 8 is something we almost never do.

Since I enrolled in 1986, we have 2 final fours (both teams really should have won it all), and 3 elite 8’s. That’s it.

The Sweet 16 is a miracle for us. What’s not a miracle is how many nut punches we’ve had - Austin Peay, Dayton, Chattanooga, Loyola, VaTech, Tulsa ,
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 18, 2026, 12:42:06 PM
Since I enrolled in 1968, we have 2 final fours and 3 elite 8’s. That’s it.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 18, 2026, 02:28:47 PM
Since I enrolled in 1968, we have 2 final fours and 3 elite 8’s. That’s it.

Which one of us miscounted ?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 18, 2026, 03:55:44 PM
Duke vs Michigan in every pool except one with Duke over PeeU.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 18, 2026, 04:13:54 PM
Duke vs Michigan in every pool except one with Duke over PeeU.

Not drinking the Cal Baptist kool ade huh??
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illiniray on March 18, 2026, 07:48:19 PM
Growing up, I always viewed the NCAA and NIT as post season parties. I actually got more excited about about the IHSA March Madness. Which was better when it was one class..
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 19, 2026, 01:06:53 AM
First time seeing Miami Ohio play all year and they ran some good shit. Got open looks from three and they killed SMU on cuts all night.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 19, 2026, 02:31:36 AM
First time seeing Miami Ohio play all year and they ran some good shit. Got open looks from three and they killed SMU on cuts all night.

Only time I saw them play was when they nicked 14-15 Ohio in OT then flipped off and talked a bunch of shit to the Ohio fans. Glad they made the tourney but they’re gonna get killed in the first round, I think.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: bringbackself on March 19, 2026, 05:09:52 AM
Hilarious to see people say all year that we are a final four team now say the sweet 16 is the goal lol

Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 19, 2026, 07:06:53 AM
Win or go home. Winning today is the goal.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 19, 2026, 07:57:12 AM
Win or go home. Winning today is the goal.

Da Da Da..........Captain Obvious to the rescue....kind a like Handyman but for the masses....LOL, I kid I kid....GO ILLINI!!!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Lkdog on March 19, 2026, 08:25:40 AM
Hilarious to see people say all year that we are a final four team now say the sweet 16 is the goal lol

Not going to complain about a S16. We went years without one. Lol.
This weekend is looking pretty easy for us TBH.
Don't see us getting past Houston or Florida but that is why they play the games.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 19, 2026, 09:57:14 AM
Anything less than Elite 8 will be disappointing in my book. We've been talked about as a title contender all year. I don't expect a title, or even a F4, but we're supposed to be a top 6-8 team in the country. I'd like to see us live up to that. Spent most of my life as an illini fan settling for less than we were capable of during TOTTM.

Plus, we've been given about as easy a path as we could ask for.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 19, 2026, 11:12:34 AM
We haven't been playing like a top 6-8 team and hopefully we get to the playing Houston in Houston part but .....

(https://i.ibb.co/fznT30d7/Screenshot-20260319-110941-CBS-Sports.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cSCsWThd)
[
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 19, 2026, 11:19:52 AM
(https://media1.tenor.com/m/x-FL-l7ERS4AAAAd/and-here-we-go-joker.gif)

Busted my ass early this week and made it back home late last night so I could settle in for the games
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 19, 2026, 11:48:15 AM
We haven't been playing like a top 6-8 team and hopefully we get to the playing Houston in Houston part but .....

(https://i.ibb.co/fznT30d7/Screenshot-20260319-110941-CBS-Sports.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cSCsWThd)
[

No shit. But for much of the season we were.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: bringbackself on March 19, 2026, 12:03:34 PM
Jamie dixon gonna take down Duke
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: bringbackself on March 19, 2026, 12:03:46 PM
Id take Jamie dixon as a coach easily
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 19, 2026, 12:20:59 PM
No shit. But for much of the season we were.
Under the what have you done for me lately school of thought we haven't been top 6-8 for a month.
We may get back to what had us ranked in the top 8 but I wouldn't be surprised if we don't.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 19, 2026, 12:32:03 PM
We dropped some close games to good teams late in the season but the metrics still showed us playing like a top 10 team. Seems like people forget that other good teams lose tough conference games down the stretch, too.

Purdue looked like they were ready for the season to be over during the senior day drubbing by Wisconsin. Now people are picking them as a dark horse. We have the pieces to get deep. All it takes is getting the right matchups and some breaks.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 19, 2026, 01:06:25 PM
Don't get me wrong. I'll take any breaks we can get and if we can play some defense the rest of our game should keep us playing.
We haven't beaten a tournament team since Feb 1. It's 1 and done time, let's go on a roll.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Lkdog on March 19, 2026, 01:46:49 PM
We dropped some close games to good teams late in the season but the metrics still showed us playing like a top 10 team. Seems like people forget that other good teams lose tough conference games down the stretch, too.

Purdue looked like they were ready for the season to be over during the senior day drubbing by Wisconsin. Now people are picking them as a dark horse. We have the pieces to get deep. All it takes is getting the right matchups and some breaks.

We have to make enough stops. We have a lot of weapons to score the ball but have to get more stops.
 
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 19, 2026, 01:47:24 PM
Sheesh. Pass the ball up the floor.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 01:56:14 PM
Id take Jamie dixon as a coach easily

He'd fit in blowing 15 point leads
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 02:50:19 PM
Nick Boyd's tears are so delicious.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 19, 2026, 02:50:19 PM
High Point! High Point! High Point! 😂
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 19, 2026, 02:54:56 PM
Eat shit, Boyd you cocky POS
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 19, 2026, 02:56:36 PM
Siena up 43-32 on Duke at half. Go Siena!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 19, 2026, 02:57:10 PM
Illinois can't beat those fuckers, but High Point sure can.

Did you guys see High Point's coach in the handshake line? LETS FUCKING GO!!!

Fuck yeah
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 19, 2026, 02:58:19 PM
The Madness has begun! Siena… let’s fucking go!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 19, 2026, 02:59:15 PM
The Madness has begun! Siena… let’s fucking go!

Yes, we need this.

Although I'm fully prepared for Duke to win by 20 anyway.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 19, 2026, 03:02:27 PM
We better fucking bring it against Penn. No fucking around anymore.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 03:03:22 PM
Illinois can't beat those fuckers, but High Point sure can.

Did you guys see High Point's coach in the handshake line? LETS FUCKING GO!!!

Fuck yeah

That dude who got the winning layup for High Point? He plays a lot of minutes - this was his first 2 pointer of the entire season. He's made sixty three pointers but was 0-4 for the season from 2

So far this tournament is already better than the entire last tourney.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 03:03:56 PM
We better fucking bring it against Penn. No fucking around anymore.

Underwood should make them watch the last minute of OSU and Wisconsin's games all afternoon.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 19, 2026, 03:21:25 PM
Illinois better win with how much shit I'm texting to Wisconsin fucks
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Chickengeorge on March 19, 2026, 03:39:53 PM
Illinois better win with how much shit I'm texting to Wisconsin fucks

Good Lawd. You know better.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 03:43:10 PM
Siena has just missed too many bunnies. Sad.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 19, 2026, 04:09:02 PM
Good Lawd. You know better.

I know. But I've had a few.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 19, 2026, 08:23:14 PM
VCU advances after being down 19!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 19, 2026, 08:52:06 PM
VCU advances after being down 19!

There was a reason we were rooting for UNC to hold on....LOL
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 10:21:57 PM
There was a reason we were rooting for UNC to hold on....LOL

I think the only time we ever took advantage of getting lucky from an upset was the 2005 team vs UW-M

I think we’ve been upset after catching a break and maybe there was a time the bracket cleared out but we lost before it even mattered (Chattanooga maybe)
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 19, 2026, 10:24:27 PM
I think the only time we ever took advantage of getting lucky from an upset was the 2005 team vs UW-M

I think we’ve been upset after catching a break and maybe there was a time the bracket cleared out but we lost before it even mattered (Chattanooga maybe)

Yeah - we got gifted a game vs Chattanooga and lost - after Duke lost to Providence clearing out our bracket
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 19, 2026, 10:26:53 PM
Wrong thread
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illinicalvin on March 19, 2026, 10:30:31 PM
Since I haven't posted it here yet LOL at Wisconsin.

SLU looking good versus Georgia. Hopefully they can give UM a game.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 20, 2026, 01:00:41 AM
I think the only time we ever took advantage of getting lucky from an upset was the 2005 team vs UW-M

I think we’ve been upset after catching a break and maybe there was a time the bracket cleared out but we lost before it even mattered (Chattanooga maybe)

We got Duquesne in second round just two years ago. UW-Milwaukee in the S16 in 05. We got 4 seed Louisville 05 in the national semifinal.

We lost to UW in the round of 32 in 06, who then lost to 1 seed UConn, who then lost to George Mason in the regional final.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 20, 2026, 01:17:22 PM
fuck
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 20, 2026, 01:19:18 PM
Fuck Kentucky, but that was a helluva shot. Santa Clara has hit to be shitting their pants about this overtime now…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 20, 2026, 01:23:26 PM
Lol Santa Clara. They didn't watch TCU put 2 guys on Thornton, the guy getting the inbounds pass.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 20, 2026, 01:28:19 PM
Fuck Kentucky, but that was a helluva shot. Santa Clara has hit to be shitting their pants about this overtime now…

Santa Clara really needed to foul there.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 20, 2026, 01:42:40 PM
Rough OT for their white guard dude. Gets frustrated and hacks a guy for dumb foul though that didn't end up hurting them. Then takes back to back threes over UK's center and gets blocked both times that lead to easy scores.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 20, 2026, 02:02:50 PM
Looks like John Groce doing his thing.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Lkdog on March 20, 2026, 03:14:15 PM
Michigan might have just gotten a clear path to get to FF. ISU's best player looks like he might have serious ankle injury.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 20, 2026, 06:56:29 PM
Smith got his record breaking assist with tkr taking about 6 steps for an and one lol
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 20, 2026, 07:22:04 PM
This Iowa - Clemson game reminds me of Weber ball. Tough watch.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 20, 2026, 07:47:58 PM
This Iowa - Clemson game reminds me of Weber ball. Tough watch.
and here I thought IOWA by itself was just tough to watch....LOL, no reason to drag Weber into, he gets blamed for a lot already.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 20, 2026, 07:59:26 PM
I said what I said
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Lkdog on March 21, 2026, 12:32:53 AM
We are 11 point favorites vs VCU.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illiniray on March 21, 2026, 03:23:10 PM
fwiw

https://www.thechampaignroom.com/illinois-fighting-illini-basketball-news/52761/illinois-know-your-opponent-vcu-scouting-report-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-tournament
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illinicalvin on March 21, 2026, 06:35:07 PM
11 pt favorite sounds right if the Michigan-SLU game was any indication.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 21, 2026, 08:23:00 PM
Adam Miller’s mom is probably furious
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 21, 2026, 08:25:48 PM
Adam Miller’s mom is probably furious

Watch high point and USU win and Purdue will choke anyway
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 21, 2026, 08:53:34 PM
NM.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 21, 2026, 08:54:24 PM
Nm
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 21, 2026, 09:10:41 PM
Wrong thread again lol.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 21, 2026, 09:27:48 PM
This High Point team is kinda fun. Pretty athletic.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 21, 2026, 10:16:25 PM
That last shot by Vandy….
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 21, 2026, 10:41:19 PM
That thing was about a millimeter or so from rattling in
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 21, 2026, 10:47:13 PM
Unbelievable finish in that Nebraska game… whew
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 21, 2026, 10:47:41 PM
Illini women advance too…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 21, 2026, 10:48:29 PM
Leading our bracket too with both entries… 😎

Always trust picks by Judy…

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkJ9NXxM/
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 21, 2026, 10:58:22 PM
Oh and how about a big thanks to Josh Whitman…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 21, 2026, 11:23:17 PM
Great job by the ladies too!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 21, 2026, 11:33:31 PM
Oh and how about a big thanks to Josh Whitman…

Well what say you, Tempo and PAMan?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 21, 2026, 11:44:48 PM
Well what say you, Tempo and PAMan?

https://x.com/illiniathletics/status/2035562155622158713?s=46&t=nLWTarDKWNHMqYhTVD-LQQ

(https://i.ibb.co/6RMVgJ9d/IMG-8539.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MDvWM5wX)

Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 22, 2026, 12:02:48 AM
Hell yeah congrats girls I had planned to watch the ILL CU game and after some beers and having to pack for spring break I totally forgot. I'll watch in two days.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 22, 2026, 09:00:09 AM
Well what say you, Tempo and PAMan?

Championships matter. Not participation awards!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ridingthegrange on March 22, 2026, 09:30:44 AM
https://x.com/illiniathletics/status/2035562155622158713?s=46&t=nLWTarDKWNHMqYhTVD-LQQ

(https://i.ibb.co/6RMVgJ9d/IMG-8539.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MDvWM5wX)

With our arrows trending up, we must believe
Stringing post season tourneys and bowls don’t deceive
A pox on the fickle who don’t seem beholden
These Illinois sports are in the era called Golden!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 22, 2026, 12:30:21 PM
LOL!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 22, 2026, 12:56:48 PM
Grange gets it!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 22, 2026, 03:34:14 PM
Let’s go Iowa State and Iowa!

 nsp!!!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 22, 2026, 06:40:03 PM
Nothing tastes better than Bill Self’s tears
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 22, 2026, 06:44:51 PM
Turned into St Johns having to overcome 5-on-8 but they got it done.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 22, 2026, 06:48:50 PM
Florida's offense looking very Weber-y right now
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 22, 2026, 07:00:23 PM
Lets go iowa?  Ewwww
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 22, 2026, 07:21:54 PM
Tennessee volunteering up the ball twice on inbounds plays in a couple of minutes. All tied up
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 22, 2026, 08:21:11 PM
Free shots matter. Iowa biffing them
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 22, 2026, 08:33:36 PM
Iowa with the clutch 3 dayum they won too
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 22, 2026, 08:35:38 PM
BIG FUCKING TEN
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 22, 2026, 08:36:32 PM
We get past Houston then it's either Nebraska or Iowa for a spot in the Final Four.  !!!!!!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illinicalvin on March 22, 2026, 08:48:36 PM
Congrats to Iowa, just gift wrapped a path for Houston that we can take over if we play near perfectly.

The seeding committee badly messed up a few things, but that seems common every year.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 22, 2026, 09:22:59 PM
I don’t think Florida scouted Iowa at all
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 22, 2026, 09:39:32 PM
I’m down with the Big Ten taking out UConn too
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 22, 2026, 09:58:23 PM
Congrats to Iowa, just gift wrapped a path for Houston that we can take over if we play near perfectly.

The seeding committee badly messed up a few things, but that seems common every year.

Yep. St.John’s was definitely under seeded.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 22, 2026, 10:30:48 PM
Alabama is viciously buttfucking Texas Tech. My God.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 23, 2026, 09:36:20 AM
6 Big10 teams are in the Sweet 16. Beat Houston and we'll face 1 of those teams.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 23, 2026, 10:05:07 AM
6 Big10 teams are in the Sweet 16. Beat Houston and we'll face 1 of those teams.

Thanks for that fucking hard hitting analysis.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 23, 2026, 10:21:16 AM
Thanks for that fucking hard hitting analysis.
You're welcome
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 23, 2026, 10:33:45 AM
Thanks for that fucking hard hitting analysis.
He’s a regular Andy Katz that guy
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 23, 2026, 12:33:43 PM
Yep. St.John’s was definitely under seeded.

even dumbass seth davis said that on the selection show
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 23, 2026, 01:12:52 PM
Yep. St.John’s was definitely under seeded.

We will see I have them to win it all.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 23, 2026, 01:22:23 PM
Michigan State "should win" which would lead to a "might win"
Nebby "might win" which would lead to a "might win"
Iowa "might win which would lead to a "might win"
Illinois "might win"- I like our chances due to Houston's inability for big runs/I.e. comebacks if needed. - which would lead to a "might win"
Michigan "should win" which would lead to a "might win"
Purdue "should win" which would lead to a "might win"

The B1G MIGHT win it all this year with 5 legit chances.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 24, 2026, 10:59:27 AM
We are excited to share that your ticket request for the Sweet 16 has been fulfilled!

You will receive a separate email once your tickets are available in your NCAA Ticketmaster account. Your card will be charged shortly, and please note that all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 24, 2026, 12:38:52 PM
nice man have a good time
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 24, 2026, 03:10:40 PM
nice man have a good time

I've got an extra...
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 24, 2026, 03:13:34 PM
I've got an extra...

He won't get there via bicycle in time
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: bringbackself on March 24, 2026, 04:42:57 PM
I've got an extra...

See ya there
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 24, 2026, 07:34:43 PM
See ya there

I’ll bet beingbackself thinks texting Bill Self wouldn’t be the worst idea!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 24, 2026, 07:51:32 PM
See ya there

You get a temp job slinging popcorn?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 24, 2026, 08:03:23 PM
I've got an extra...

I would definitely go if the illini were playing there but alas
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: bringbackself on March 24, 2026, 08:27:18 PM
I’ll bet beingbackself thinks texting Bill Self wouldn’t be the worst idea!

Someone on loyalty said self isn't that much of a upgrade from underwood
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 24, 2026, 08:32:36 PM
At this point, it’s possible. But I’d be willing to try.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 24, 2026, 09:24:53 PM
Someone on loyalty said self isn't that much of a upgrade from underwood


At this point in his career, the NIL, and the High School game changing....I would agree he is not.


Record 2020-2024

Underwood 117-54 300 -136 - 688% 2nd-7th-2nd conference last 3 years Rd 64 the year before that.

Self 102-35 Career 841-273 - 755%, 5th-6th-3rd conference last 3 years, National Title before that,

I would argue that Underwood actually has a more recent successful recruiting history.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 24, 2026, 09:27:40 PM


At this point in his career, the NIL, and the High School game changing....I would agree he is not.


Record 2020-2024

Underwood 117-54 300 -136 - 688% 2nd-7th-2nd conference last 3 years Rd 64 the year before that.

Self 102-35 Career 841-273 - 755%, 5th-6th-3rd conference last 3 years, National Title before that,

I would argue that Underwood actually has a more recent successful recruiting history.

Illinois is in the Sweet 16, Self couldn't get his lottery pick to play defense for one critical play and went home.

QED
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illiniray on March 24, 2026, 11:43:32 PM
?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 26, 2026, 03:53:13 PM
Sparty holds on against UConn, 2-1.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Somewhere in Mn on March 26, 2026, 08:26:23 PM
9 seed xxxx takes care of Nebraska.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 26, 2026, 08:27:27 PM
Key possession late in the game and Nebby, out of a timeout, gets caught with only 4 players on the court which leads to the game sealing dunk and 1 for Iowa.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 26, 2026, 08:32:50 PM
Boilers are moving on
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 27, 2026, 01:03:55 AM
Boilers are moving on

It was awesome. I was maybe 15 rows from the floor dead on the winning basket. Huge Purdue turnout.

Then went and had copious food and libations while Illinois jacked Houston
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 27, 2026, 09:13:22 AM
B1G is showing out this year.....imo only St Johns or Arizona can stop us from getting to where we all want to be, otherwise a B1G team should win this thing....bout f***g time.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 27, 2026, 11:08:27 AM
It was awesome. I was maybe 15 rows from the floor dead on the winning basket. Huge Purdue turnout.

Then went and had copious food and libations while Illinois jacked Houston

sounds like everyone had a good time!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 27, 2026, 02:33:15 PM
Interesting article, several Illinois and Whitman mentions.

(https://i.ibb.co/BV546rs0/IMG-3506.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QF38HCmy)

https://apple.news/A7YqlO9EcSCWLKKbiRGU9bA
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 27, 2026, 04:15:41 PM
Interesting article, several Illinois and Whitman mentions.

(https://i.ibb.co/BV546rs0/IMG-3506.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QF38HCmy)

https://apple.news/A7YqlO9EcSCWLKKbiRGU9bA

What I got out of all that was Underwood is in for one helluva raise.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 27, 2026, 05:04:08 PM
What I got out of all that was Underwood is in for one helluva raise.

He needs to beat Iowa IMO.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 27, 2026, 05:09:34 PM
He needs to beat Iowa IMO.

He will.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 27, 2026, 06:43:47 PM
He will.

It’s Illinois bro. Nothing can ever be taken for granted.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 27, 2026, 08:02:10 PM
Some really good games on right now
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 27, 2026, 09:15:59 PM
Looks like UConn wants to buttfuck sparty
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 27, 2026, 09:26:09 PM
Looks like UConn wants to buttfuck sparty

Yes it is appearing that way
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 27, 2026, 09:50:39 PM
Looks like UConn wants to buttfuck sparty

Hey if we are going on a revenge tour it’s gotta include UConn…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 27, 2026, 11:48:40 PM
Free shots sure looked to matter in TOTTM tonight.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: illiniray on March 28, 2026, 12:08:39 AM
Michigan 11-20

Duke 15-24
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 28, 2026, 12:20:21 AM
Free shots sure looked to matter in TOTTM tonight.
That and Izzo drawing up a shitty last possession
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 28, 2026, 08:39:32 AM
Little Boozer didn't play too much down the stretch, the St John's defense ate him alive. Scheyer making the right decision there. Duke has a good squad.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 28, 2026, 10:23:35 AM
It’s Illinois bro. Nothing can ever be taken for granted.
I can if I want....and well I want to take this one for granted dammit. We all would have been very happy with Sweet 16/Elite 8 at the beginning or the year so dammit we cannot lose to Iowa (nutpunched) and ruin this run.

Speaking it into existance, although that damn McCollum guy and winning worries me to be honest.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 28, 2026, 09:00:28 PM
Let’s go, Purdue…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Gokuwearsorange/blue on March 28, 2026, 09:21:06 PM
Purdue would love a rematch with Michigan in Indianapolis.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Miles Leonard on March 28, 2026, 10:02:58 PM
Purdue would love a rematch with Michigan in Indianapolis.

Not looking good for that rematch at the moment.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Gokuwearsorange/blue on March 28, 2026, 10:19:21 PM
Yeaah, Arizona is just too much.


Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 28, 2026, 11:07:32 PM
Yeaah, Arizona is just too much.

I think we could take em but after I said “Michigan beats you” I put on my Illini cap and said “just like Luther Fucking Head”
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 29, 2026, 08:08:15 AM
Purdue looked terrific in the 1st half. Thoroughly overmatched in the 2nd.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 29, 2026, 08:08:29 AM
Arizona is a problem.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 29, 2026, 08:36:36 AM
Arizona is a problem.

Agreed but I think that if either guard gets in trouble in any fashion, (especially Bradley) they can be had by a larger/bigger/talented team (we all know one).
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 29, 2026, 11:04:44 AM
Arizona is a problem.

Definitely an oversized road block in big ten's path at achieving a title.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ridingthegrange on March 29, 2026, 11:14:39 AM
Arizona is a problem.

Best team I've seen this year.  I'm hoping for UCon and scUM but no use being too particular at this point. 
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 29, 2026, 12:09:08 PM
Best team I've seen this year.  I'm hoping for UCon and scUM but no use being too particular at this point.

See I think michigan is the best team I've seen this year, with az a close 2nd that will be one hell of a matchup
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 29, 2026, 03:39:58 PM
Rocky Top buttfucking.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ridingthegrange on March 29, 2026, 04:14:24 PM
Rocky Top buttfucking.

Been there, done that, in two sports recently.  Golden!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 29, 2026, 05:08:12 PM
I like the ILLINI chances better against UCONN, not gonna happen, but I also don't think we are overmatched against Duke to be honest.

Cayden Boozer will be checked by either Boswell or Andrej most of the game, both bigger than him in different ways. He is not very good at shooting the 3 either 29%.

Cam Boozer reminds me of Jabari Parker. I think he is far and away a better college player than he will be a pro. Either way, I like that we can match up Mirk, Ivisic, Humrichous, Big Z on him.

I would bet the gameplan would be to harass Cayden pretty much 3/4 court....his handle is suspect in traffic. Drive the ball with multiple people at Cam Boozer...fouls????
Isaiah Evans or Caleb Foster might be a wild card, but Wagler will be on them I think.




Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 29, 2026, 06:21:09 PM
Holy shit
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 29, 2026, 06:27:46 PM
Early game Saturday
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 06:36:15 PM
Updated color coded support map
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 06:40:30 PM
Early game Saturday

Opening line Illini -2.5
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 29, 2026, 06:51:11 PM
Opening line Illini -2.5

Thinking Illini+2.5
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 07:10:41 PM
Thinking Illini+2.5

Guess you’re betting UConn because as I said the opening line is Illinois -2.5

Aside from analysis of the teams (yes we lost to UConn but in that game petrovic had more minutes than Wagler) - this is gonna be a home game practically
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 29, 2026, 07:12:17 PM
Guess you’re betting UConn because as I said the opening line is Illinois -2.5

Aside from analysis of the teams (yes we lost to UConn but in that game petrovic had more minutes than Wagler) - this is gonna be a home game practically

There is no way Illinois is favored
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 29, 2026, 07:14:50 PM
Reverse Psychology worked perfect 30-0 Billboard Revenge Tour begins!!!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 29, 2026, 07:17:13 PM
Seeing it is Illinois -1.5. That's messed up
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ridingthegrange on March 29, 2026, 07:25:24 PM
Hmmm... Final Four or Frozen Four?  One in Indy and the other in Vegas.  I'll split the difference and stay put.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 29, 2026, 07:43:36 PM
Opening line Illini -2.5

Really. Wow. Did not expect that.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 29, 2026, 07:49:23 PM
There is no way Illinois is favored

Illinois is indeed favored. I'd expect that to be close to a pick em at tip off, though. Michigan is the betting favorite to win it all at the moment.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 29, 2026, 08:17:33 PM
Guess you’re betting UConn because as I said the opening line is Illinois -2.5

Aside from analysis of the teams (yes we lost to UConn but in that game petrovic had more minutes than Wagler) - this is gonna be a home game practically

Does that even matter we lost to a few shitty teams at home this year
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 08:18:49 PM
There is no way Illinois is favored

Wanna bet?
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 08:21:15 PM
Does that even matter we lost to a few shitty teams at home this year

And we beat some good ones.

I know this may shock you but while the line is Illinois -2.5, we will not win by exactly 2.5. Also sometimes the favorite doesn’t cover and sometimes they do.

This is why they call it “gambling”
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 29, 2026, 08:30:05 PM
Wanna bet?

Giving UConn points is asinine
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 08:37:28 PM
Giving UConn points is asinine

I always knew you were a plant. Probably a Badger. Possibly a Buckeye
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 08:51:08 PM
We won every game in the tourney by double digits, UConn needed a huge comeback, a massive fuckup by Boozer, and a prayer. They almost blew a lead vs MSU and we dismantled Houston. Bettors will see that.

The first matchup vs UConn, which we got pantsed, was 50 miles from Storrs, not 100 miles from Champaign. Wagler played 14 minutes and had 3 points, Mirkovic 18 minutes Humrichous played 25, Petrovic 17, hell Brandon Lee played 11 minutes. We are a drastically different team.

They’ve increased Mullins minutes but otherwise the same team.

And people hate UConn, the Illini are a nice story. Wagler is a projected lottery pick.

It’s not a shocker Vegas set the line this way.

I’m optimistic but not like 1989 or 2005, those years I felt we’d win for sure, this year I think it’s a coin flip - but that’s probably impacted by fatalism more than analysis.

Whoever wins will be an underdog after the shows Az an SCUM put on this weekend, but I didn’t see Arizona as dominant as they are being talked up. Purdue gave them a run despite a very thin bench and TKR being in foul trouble then losing his cool. We are way better than Purdue.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ThePAMan on March 29, 2026, 08:53:29 PM
We won every game in the tourney by double digits, UConn needed a huge comeback, a massive fuckup by Boozer, and a prayer. They almost blew a lead vs MSU and we dismantled Houston. Bettors will see that.

The first matchup vs UConn, which we got pantsed, was 50 miles from Storrs, not 100 miles from Champaign. Wagler played 14 minutes and had 3 points, Mirkovic 18 minutes Humrichous played 25, Petrovic 17, hell Brandon Lee played 11 minutes. We are a drastically different team.

They’ve increased Mullins minutes but otherwise the same team.

And people hate UConn, the Illini are a nice story. Wagler is a projected lottery pick.

It’s not a shocker Vegas set the line this way.

I’m optimistic but not like 1989 or 2005, those years I felt we’d win for sure, this year I think it’s a coin flip - but that’s probably impacted by fatalism more than analysis.

Whoever wins will be an underdog after the shows Az an SCUM put on this weekend, but I didn’t see Arizona as dominant as they are being talked up. Purdue gave them a run despite a very thin bench and TKR being in foul trouble then losing his cool. We are way better than Purdue.

They played an, overall, tougher tournament schedule. Duke, MSU, UCLA, and Furman.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Lkdog on March 29, 2026, 08:53:57 PM
Fwiw Torvik has us -2.9.

Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 08:58:59 PM
They played an, overall, tougher tournament schedule. Duke, MSU, UCLA, and Furman.

Yes. And they definitely should have lost today and MSU almost took them out. Our first three games were over with 10 minutes left, and the Iowa game with 5.

Put money on UConn - go for it. Vegas just wants to balance the action. Illinois has a larger betting public and the squares saw us dominate and UConn get a miracle.

Who knows maybe the line will move
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 09:09:25 PM
FWIW line opened at 2.5 and has moved to 2/1.6
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 29, 2026, 11:05:09 PM
Time for some more moneyline magic by me, it works every time
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 29, 2026, 11:25:42 PM
Time for some more moneyline magic by me, it works every time

Why didn’t you put some on Arizona yesterday!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLove1997 on March 29, 2026, 11:37:05 PM
Why didn’t you put some on Arizona yesterday!

Rather them play arizona than michigan tbh
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 29, 2026, 11:56:54 PM
Once more into the fray
into the last good fight I will ever know
Live and Die on this day
Live and Die on this day.......

Bring it On C'mon ILLINI
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 30, 2026, 09:56:17 AM
Rather them play arizona than michigan tbh

I meant before the Az/Purdue game
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 30, 2026, 10:20:05 AM
I don't care who they play. Beat anyone. Win the damn thing.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Reacher on March 30, 2026, 11:01:10 AM
I don't care who they play. Beat anyone. Win the damn thing.

Bold plan, but I like it.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Jobu on March 30, 2026, 11:18:56 AM
Bold plan, but I like it.

That's how you have to be to be a champion. The whole "favorable draw" thing is over. Time to shove your cock in.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: murphstahoe on March 30, 2026, 03:35:40 PM
That's how you have to be to be a champion. The whole "favorable draw" thing is over. Time to shove your cock in.

I like the cut of your jib
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 30, 2026, 04:59:24 PM
I mean hell what does it matter anymore....

Michigan almost got beat by Penn F'ing State, followed that massive 2 pt win with a Wisky loss, later on loss to Duke, barely beat Iowa, MSU, Ohio St, Wisky and loss to Purdue to end the year. I mean yea their ballin out now but..........

Arizona beat Houston by 5 at the end of the year....struggled agains Utah St.., earlier loss to TT, right after a Kansas loss, I mean they aren't all that the media is crackin them up to be....

UCONN, needed a 17 come from behind hail mary to face us, lost to Marquette, Creighton, almost G-Town/Providence and Seton Hall.

I mean if anyone right now doesn't think the way the ILLINI are playing are capable of beating ANY or ALL of these teams with their defense rising to the top, then to hell with them. Underestimate us, undervalue us, bet against us. I honestly think BU and the staff are going to figure out a way for us to get our 1st Natty. Anything less will be bearable and an overachievement from what we all thought was possible at the start of the season......But F**K everyone else till they bleed Orange and Blue!!!
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Beach Bum on March 30, 2026, 05:18:48 PM
UConn blew their load vs Duke. We are going to spank them.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Judge Judy on March 30, 2026, 06:10:48 PM
I mean hell what does it matter anymore....

Michigan almost got beat by Penn F'ing State, followed that massive 2 pt win with a Wisky loss, later on loss to Duke, barely beat Iowa, MSU, Ohio St, Wisky and loss to Purdue to end the year. I mean yea their ballin out now but..........

Arizona beat Houston by 5 at the end of the year....struggled agains Utah St.., earlier loss to TT, right after a Kansas loss, I mean they aren't all that the media is crackin them up to be....

UCONN, needed a 17 come from behind hail mary to face us, lost to Marquette, Creighton, almost G-Town/Providence and Seton Hall.

I mean if anyone right now doesn't think the way the ILLINI are playing are capable of beating ANY or ALL of these teams with their defense rising to the top, then to hell with them. Underestimate us, undervalue us, bet against us. I honestly think BU and the staff are going to figure out a way for us to get our 1st Natty. Anything less will be bearable and an overachievement from what we all thought was possible at the start of the season......But F**K everyone else till they bleed Orange and Blue!!!

I think you meant to add another “t” to the word but…
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: ILLINICHIEF on March 30, 2026, 06:34:54 PM
I think you meant to add another “t” to the word but…
fair
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 30, 2026, 11:20:32 PM
“Fuck everyone else until they bleed orange and blue” sounds like something from Jobu. I like it.
Title: Re: TOTTM 2026
Post by: Custard on March 31, 2026, 12:56:49 AM
More analytics for Jasn

https://x.com/nickbateman33/status/2038600127993061573?s=46