Commenter politeness is never required when it comes to sports. But do try not to hurt each other too much.
44 Comments
- Birds on the Bat - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 6:02 am:
Loyola got a raw deal with their seed and their draw. Georgia Tech is better than a 9 seed and will be a challenge for Loyola. Illini playing well and with confidence. Michigan loses 3 of last 5 and gets a 1 seed? Ridiculous. Ohio State or Iowa much more deserving. Just hope covid doesn’t throw a wrench in things. We need this. Enjoy the games, folks.
Yeah can’t say I’m to pleased about this matchup, at least it should be a good game. Hoping for a upset for LUC but will be happy to see another Illinois team advance.
- Andersonville Right Winger - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:13 am:
Big Ten has had a team in the Final Four 13 of the last 20 and in the title game 8 of the last 20. I believe that every time Illinois was a #1 seed they’ve gone to the Final Four. If you are winning in Big Ten basketball, you can beat anyone. Keep it up!
Let’s be honest, we all know Loyola is gonna upset Illinois if they make it past Georgia Tech. Loyola has actually been to the Final Four in the past 15 years. Winning Culture.
Really great of the Senate to be holding a Subject Matter Hearing at 2 PM on Friday. It was scheduled before the brackets came out. Someone get this fixed.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:24 am:
I first noticed - and had my first heartbreak with - Illinois basketball in ‘84, when that had that incredible run stopped by Kentucky, on their gown court, in the Elite Eight. Over the years, there have been a lot of ups and downs but of all the players between the Efrem Winters/Bruce Douglas Illini through today - Norman, Anderson, Gill, Brown etc. - Ayo is my favorite. The kid is a joy to watch and it’s pretty clear he’s experiencing joy whenever he’s on the court. He’s got great makeup. I hope it takes him far.
Joe that game is the reason the NCAA changed the rule about hosting on your home court.
Same way the Illini forced the rule change about a review about ball possession can be reviewed in the last 2 mins after the Illini got robbed against Miami during Groce’s first year.
The ILL-LUC second round match up is just adding insult to injury. Loyola should be a higher seed. They should be in a position where they are playing a 1 seed in the second round. Boo to the selection committee.
- James the Intolerant - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:58 am:
I would think that Loyola should be more than an 8, it would’ve been a great third round game. First let’s beat Georgia Tech. Not sure when that game is yet?
Worth mentioning that we need the State to change the law so we can bet on in-state college teams. Other states don’t have this rule. It’s time people should be able to bet on the Illini, Wildcats, Ramblers, RedBirds, Salukis, etc.
The betting ban must have a loophole. Bet a small pile of $$$ could be assembled an sent via messenger to a legal site — or Capt Fax could just handle the action.
The conference separations are written rules (now only to second round if teams meet only once).
In-state avoidances were just artifacts of avoiding regular season rematches in round of 64. (Source: took Joe Lunardi’s online class)
In 2017 Fla. State and Fla-Gulf Coast met in the first round. In 2019, NC Central was a First Four win away from meeting in-town neighbor Duke in the round of 64.
Like we hope for the Illini and Ramblers, Va Tech met in-state Liberty in the 32 in 2019. Butler-Purdue and West Virginia-Marshall in 2018 Second Round.
My Illini fandom goes back to the days of Nick Weatherspoon, Levi Cobb, Eddie Johnson. Watching this year has been a joy. I’d like to rank them with the 89 and 05 teams, but this team lost some very winnable games (Rutgers, Maryland, Missouri) unlike the 89 and 05 teams, who didn’t lose to inferior teams. So, win the NCAAs and I’ll adjust my rankings.
Gimmicky possible 2nd and 2rd round match-ups rarely end up happening in the tournament. If this one does occur, I just don’t see how the defensively excellent Ramblers would be able to handle Cockburn on the post unless the refs let Loyola do to Kofi what Illinois got away with against Shaq 30 years ago. Cameron Krutwig will just be manhandled on the post.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 12:02 pm:
Rich–looks like the post times are still on Central Standard Time, as I’ve seen some new replies on some of the posts today that are an hour behind (or on “old time”).
Unless considering this version of CapFax has been around since fall 2004, it hasn’t adjusted to the changes in the start/end of DST (until 2007 DST began 1st Sunday in April and ended last Sunday of Oct).
Interestingly, Mar. 12, 2006–the terrible night of the Springfield tornadoes–was the last second Sunday in March that was not part of DST. If the DST change had been in effect in ‘06 the tornadoes would have entered the city between 9-9:30–which for at least the first storm could have hit when more people in bed (and could have even increased the risk for at least one fatality). I shudder to think of that risk and that night again.
===looks like the post times are still on Central Standard Time===
Sigh.
Every time. Every single time.
I’ll fix it tonight. Thanks.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 1:30 pm:
=20052021=
Actually more like “198920052021.”
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 1:55 pm:
=I’m not sure how good Ayo is going to be as a pro=
Same. I think his makeup helps him, but he needs a better jump shot for real success at the next level. Most of the mocks/rankings have him as mid/late 1st to early 2nd rounder
Like all I said, it was in before times, before a “Lunardi”, who is a legend, could be important, when Al McGuire would be calling that Saturday “Big East” game.
Times now?
There’s rules and understandings, usually more around network contracts and scheduling for any of the networks that didn’t exist even 5 years ago.
Thing is… it’s not the same, it’s billions of dollars, it’s more money than the NCAA could’ve imagined during the Ray Meyer / DePaul era too.
Still, I think it’s great for both the Illini and the Ramblers to meet early.
No excuses for either team. Throw the ball up, let’s play.
Looking way ahead - Don’t think for a minute that Illini folks wouldn’t like to roll over Kelvin Sampson and Houston to get to the Final Four.
The NCAA is sneaky good about cooking up coaching rivalry match-ups. They got lucky in 2005, but don’t forget they stashed UW-Milwaukee and Bruce Pearl in the same region as the Illini.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 6:51 pm:
= They got lucky in 2005, =
Don’t forget that Illinois began the tournament by getting a huge scare from 16-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson. Only up by 1 at the half, but eventually winning 67-55. I was actually fearing for part of that game that the Illini was going to, at that time, be the first #1 seed to fall to a #16 (which finally happened in 2018 with Virginia).
- Birds on the Bat - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 6:02 am:
Loyola got a raw deal with their seed and their draw. Georgia Tech is better than a 9 seed and will be a challenge for Loyola. Illini playing well and with confidence. Michigan loses 3 of last 5 and gets a 1 seed? Ridiculous. Ohio State or Iowa much more deserving. Just hope covid doesn’t throw a wrench in things. We need this. Enjoy the games, folks.
- TheRambler - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 6:48 am:
Yeah can’t say I’m to pleased about this matchup, at least it should be a good game. Hoping for a upset for LUC but will be happy to see another Illinois team advance.
- Andersonville Right Winger - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:13 am:
Beat Drexel.
- Masker - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:15 am:
That’s him saying ” I could really use the 89 billion the teamsters got for a pension bailout for illinois pensions”
- Occasionally Moderated - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:36 am:
Illini softball is pretty competitive this year.
Could be a second conference champion/B10 tournament champ there. For the uninitiated, women’s fastpitch is a blast to watch.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:40 am:
=That’s him saying ” I could really use the 89 billion the teamsters got for a pension bailout for illinois pensions”=
With Harmon nodding in agreement in the background.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:45 am:
There use to be some “unwritten rules” to the “Field of 64”;
No conference matchups until the Sweet 16
No non-conference rematches until the Sweet 16
And… no intra-state matchups until the Sweet 16
After adding the “play in” games” some of the rules have been broken, here’s another example (Illinois v Loyola-Chicago in the round of 32)
It’s a big deal. It doesn’t bother me. If Loyola is going to make a run, catching an Illinois team early can help.
The Illini now could have motivation not to sleep on their round of 32 opponent. Can’t lose to an in-state rival.
It’ll be much watch.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:47 am:
===I could really use the 89 billion the teamsters===
Meh.
Illinois made out really well with the bill.
Ignoring that is trolling yourself and your issues.
I’m more confused how the Trumpkin CongressCritters voted against helping Illinois, voting against their state.
That’s one way to own the libs, sure… but…
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:48 am:
Big Ten has had a team in the Final Four 13 of the last 20 and in the title game 8 of the last 20. I believe that every time Illinois was a #1 seed they’ve gone to the Final Four. If you are winning in Big Ten basketball, you can beat anyone. Keep it up!
- reddevil1 - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:51 am:
would be nice if we had the chance to wager legally on Illinois.
- Hot Taeks - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:53 am:
Let’s be honest, we all know Loyola is gonna upset Illinois if they make it past Georgia Tech. Loyola has actually been to the Final Four in the past 15 years. Winning Culture.
- Anonamoose - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 7:53 am:
There’s been basketball going on..?
- Tech Alum - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:00 am:
I do not think Loyola is going to get by Georgia Tech - so this may be a moot point.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:21 am:
Fans who remember the #1 ranked DePaul team from 1980-81 first round exit will take one game at a time
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:23 am:
Really great of the Senate to be holding a Subject Matter Hearing at 2 PM on Friday. It was scheduled before the brackets came out. Someone get this fixed.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:24 am:
I first noticed - and had my first heartbreak with - Illinois basketball in ‘84, when that had that incredible run stopped by Kentucky, on their gown court, in the Elite Eight. Over the years, there have been a lot of ups and downs but of all the players between the Efrem Winters/Bruce Douglas Illini through today - Norman, Anderson, Gill, Brown etc. - Ayo is my favorite. The kid is a joy to watch and it’s pretty clear he’s experiencing joy whenever he’s on the court. He’s got great makeup. I hope it takes him far.
- Stu - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:29 am:
Sorry Sister Jean…you won’t stop Ayo & Kofi
- Give Me A Break - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:29 am:
Joe that game is the reason the NCAA changed the rule about hosting on your home court.
Same way the Illini forced the rule change about a review about ball possession can be reviewed in the last 2 mins after the Illini got robbed against Miami during Groce’s first year.
Nice of the Illini to be trend setters.
- Montrose - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:30 am:
The ILL-LUC second round match up is just adding insult to injury. Loyola should be a higher seed. They should be in a position where they are playing a 1 seed in the second round. Boo to the selection committee.
- James the Intolerant - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 8:58 am:
I would think that Loyola should be more than an 8, it would’ve been a great third round game. First let’s beat Georgia Tech. Not sure when that game is yet?
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 9:01 am:
==I first noticed - and had my first heartbreak with - Illinois basketball in ‘84, ==
Ah, I see you’re new to this game….
Like you, I think this Illini team is a joy to watch and I have great hope for them.
- Proud Sucker - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 9:14 am:
===Not sure when that game is yet?===
4p at Hinkle.
I knew the $90K I’ve sent to GaTech along with my daughter would pay off. Just not so soon.
Loyola should be seeded higher, though that’d leave GT playing Clemson in the first round. Rules are borked this year, so why not?
- Hot Taeks - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 9:32 am:
Worth mentioning that we need the State to change the law so we can bet on in-state college teams. Other states don’t have this rule. It’s time people should be able to bet on the Illini, Wildcats, Ramblers, RedBirds, Salukis, etc.
- Anon1 - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 9:37 am:
Totally agree with commenter that Michigan should not have been a number 1 seed with that many losses, number of games, etc.
- Annonin' - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 9:37 am:
The betting ban must have a loophole. Bet a small pile of $$$ could be assembled an sent via messenger to a legal site — or Capt Fax could just handle the action.
- Loop Lady - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 10:07 am:
What a great cast of athletes…
Go Illini…
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 10:08 am:
Loyola in round 2 is a trap game for our guys… but you have to beat every body, so bring it on. Should be fun to watch.
- Get Real - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 10:22 am:
If Loyola gets last Ga Tech, which is less than a 50/50 proposition, the Illini crush them in round 2. 90-63 sounds about right.
This Illini team is good and hitting on al cylinders. Illinois defense and sheer athleticism and size will overwhelm Sister Jean’s gentlemen.
- Red Ketcher - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 11:08 am:
Flashback: Harkness, Hunter, Eagan, Miller, Rouse
- fs - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 11:18 am:
== If Loyola gets last Ga Tech, which is less than a 50/50 proposition, the Illini crush them in round 2. 90-63 sounds about right.
This Illini team is good and hitting on al cylinders. Illinois defense and sheer athleticism and size will overwhelm Sister Jean’s gentlemen.==
Georgia Tech is hot right now, but Loyola is the favorite in that game.
I think you vastly underrated both Loyola’s size and athleticism. They’re ranked in the top 20 for a reason, and got absolutely hosed by the seeding.
- fs - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 11:20 am:
== Flashback: Harkness, Hunter, Eagan, Miller, Rouse==
That team absolutely pantsed Illinois in the Elite 8. And ended up with the only real trophy in this State’s history.
- Goodson Oddman - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 11:26 am:
Oswego.
The conference separations are written rules (now only to second round if teams meet only once).
In-state avoidances were just artifacts of avoiding regular season rematches in round of 64. (Source: took Joe Lunardi’s online class)
In 2017 Fla. State and Fla-Gulf Coast met in the first round. In 2019, NC Central was a First Four win away from meeting in-town neighbor Duke in the round of 64.
Like we hope for the Illini and Ramblers, Va Tech met in-state Liberty in the 32 in 2019. Butler-Purdue and West Virginia-Marshall in 2018 Second Round.
Annoying, but not unprecedented.
- Steve Rogers - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 11:52 am:
My Illini fandom goes back to the days of Nick Weatherspoon, Levi Cobb, Eddie Johnson. Watching this year has been a joy. I’d like to rank them with the 89 and 05 teams, but this team lost some very winnable games (Rutgers, Maryland, Missouri) unlike the 89 and 05 teams, who didn’t lose to inferior teams. So, win the NCAAs and I’ll adjust my rankings.
- benniefly2 - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 12:01 pm:
Gimmicky possible 2nd and 2rd round match-ups rarely end up happening in the tournament. If this one does occur, I just don’t see how the defensively excellent Ramblers would be able to handle Cockburn on the post unless the refs let Loyola do to Kofi what Illinois got away with against Shaq 30 years ago. Cameron Krutwig will just be manhandled on the post.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 12:02 pm:
Rich–looks like the post times are still on Central Standard Time, as I’ve seen some new replies on some of the posts today that are an hour behind (or on “old time”).
Unless considering this version of CapFax has been around since fall 2004, it hasn’t adjusted to the changes in the start/end of DST (until 2007 DST began 1st Sunday in April and ended last Sunday of Oct).
Interestingly, Mar. 12, 2006–the terrible night of the Springfield tornadoes–was the last second Sunday in March that was not part of DST. If the DST change had been in effect in ‘06 the tornadoes would have entered the city between 9-9:30–which for at least the first storm could have hit when more people in bed (and could have even increased the risk for at least one fatality). I shudder to think of that risk and that night again.
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 12:37 pm:
I’m not sure how good Ayo is going to be as a pro - but he’s a heck of a college player.
20052021
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 12:48 pm:
===looks like the post times are still on Central Standard Time===
Sigh.
Every time. Every single time.
I’ll fix it tonight. Thanks.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 1:30 pm:
=20052021=
Actually more like “198920052021.”
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 1:55 pm:
=I’m not sure how good Ayo is going to be as a pro=
Same. I think his makeup helps him, but he needs a better jump shot for real success at the next level. Most of the mocks/rankings have him as mid/late 1st to early 2nd rounder
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 3:23 pm:
Those numbers were supposed to be..
2021 greater than 2005
1989 greater than 2021
By the end of the tournament this 2021 team might change my mind and be the best of all time.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 4:03 pm:
===The conference separations are…===
Like all I said, it was in before times, before a “Lunardi”, who is a legend, could be important, when Al McGuire would be calling that Saturday “Big East” game.
Times now?
There’s rules and understandings, usually more around network contracts and scheduling for any of the networks that didn’t exist even 5 years ago.
Thing is… it’s not the same, it’s billions of dollars, it’s more money than the NCAA could’ve imagined during the Ray Meyer / DePaul era too.
Still, I think it’s great for both the Illini and the Ramblers to meet early.
No excuses for either team. Throw the ball up, let’s play.
- Hon Don Gerard - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 4:22 pm:
Stu -
You trying to say Jesus Christ can’t hit a curveball?
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 5:44 pm:
Looking way ahead - Don’t think for a minute that Illini folks wouldn’t like to roll over Kelvin Sampson and Houston to get to the Final Four.
The NCAA is sneaky good about cooking up coaching rivalry match-ups. They got lucky in 2005, but don’t forget they stashed UW-Milwaukee and Bruce Pearl in the same region as the Illini.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Mar 15, 21 @ 6:51 pm:
= They got lucky in 2005, =
Don’t forget that Illinois began the tournament by getting a huge scare from 16-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson. Only up by 1 at the half, but eventually winning 67-55. I was actually fearing for part of that game that the Illini was going to, at that time, be the first #1 seed to fall to a #16 (which finally happened in 2018 with Virginia).
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/boxscores/2005-03-17-fairleigh-dickinson.html