Post by mikeb on Mar 24, 2005 9:46:14 GMT -6
No. 1 Illinois vs. No. 12 Wisconsin-Milwaukee
7:25 p.m. ET
This is a matchup of one team with everything to lose and one with not much to lose at all.
Whether that pressure difference can make up for the gap in talent is yet to be seen, but don't expect UWM to roll over at the sight of the No. 1 team in the land.
The bigger problem for the Panthers is that they thrive on creating turnovers with their pressing, trapping defense, but Illinois is as good as any team in the nation at not turning the ball over.
UMW coach Bruce Pearl (yes, yes, we know he "wronged" Illinois 16 years ago ... can we let that drop already? some of these players were in diapers when that happened) said in Wednesday's press conference that his Panthers will start out in their same defensive posture, but he acknowledged he may have to mix things up if Illinois continuously breaks the traps and gets good shots in transition. Illinois' shooters are too good to allow them free looks.
For the Illini, playing in Chicago, this is about as much pressure as they have faced this season -- even more than when they were 29-0, as a loss now ends their season. They have to win these two games and get to the Final Four. Anything less will be disappointing.
The good news for Illinois is, unlike Alabama and Boston College, they shouldn't be at a quickness disadvantage against the frisky Panthers. Unless Illinois shoots an atypically low percentage from the field, the Illini should advance.
7:25 p.m. ET
This is a matchup of one team with everything to lose and one with not much to lose at all.
Whether that pressure difference can make up for the gap in talent is yet to be seen, but don't expect UWM to roll over at the sight of the No. 1 team in the land.
The bigger problem for the Panthers is that they thrive on creating turnovers with their pressing, trapping defense, but Illinois is as good as any team in the nation at not turning the ball over.
UMW coach Bruce Pearl (yes, yes, we know he "wronged" Illinois 16 years ago ... can we let that drop already? some of these players were in diapers when that happened) said in Wednesday's press conference that his Panthers will start out in their same defensive posture, but he acknowledged he may have to mix things up if Illinois continuously breaks the traps and gets good shots in transition. Illinois' shooters are too good to allow them free looks.
For the Illini, playing in Chicago, this is about as much pressure as they have faced this season -- even more than when they were 29-0, as a loss now ends their season. They have to win these two games and get to the Final Four. Anything less will be disappointing.
The good news for Illinois is, unlike Alabama and Boston College, they shouldn't be at a quickness disadvantage against the frisky Panthers. Unless Illinois shoots an atypically low percentage from the field, the Illini should advance.
