Game 23 Illinois: Illini made the plays to win

[bac2therac]

First, condolences to Coach Pikiell on the death of his mother. It had to be tough for him to be on the road away from his family having to coach. Thoughts and prayers to he and his family at this difficult time.

And what a game between two fairly evenly matched opponents. Two young teams that will do battle to move up in the Big 10 standings the next 4 years. This felt sort of like a NCAA type slugfest where both teams hit some big shots. Remember RU had a really memorable game vs Illinios in 3OTs at the RAC vs Illinois and then beat them the following year at the RAC ending their NCAA hopes. This could really be a rivalry going forward. Illinois was just a bit better today. Give alot of credit to them. They hit big shots in regulation to keep RU at bay and then in overtime down 4 plus stepped it up on defense especially rebounding. Just tip your caps to them, they made plays, we didnt. Giorgi was insane 14-18, 35 pts setting an Illinois freshmen record and this is just the beginning...3 more years of him and Pike will have to figure out how to defend him. Didnt look like he had the answers today. I guess he felt double teaming him would make us get burned from the perimeter but I mean maybe that was the gameplan but as we got deeper into the game he wasnt going to miss. In the end, the RU hot shooting just didnt continue. Mathis and Harper missed 3s that would have tied the game. If they do down maybe the outcome would have been different.

We shouldn't be discouraged because of the loss. While the opportunity was there the important thing is what we saw from the team. No one thought this game was going to go down like this. No one expected RU to be comfortable playing the Illinois quick pace style and be able to handle the pressure. Most were not even giving RU a shot in this game. But this team showed up...as a team. After a struggle early on with the Illinois pressure, RU cut way back on the turnovers and adjusted to the pace and began to take it to Illinois offensively as I dont think the Illini play great defense. They had to do that and they did.

Caleb McConnell hello....8-10, 25 points, 3-4 from 3....wow....9 rebounds are you kidding me. Caleb was money today. Its too bad he didnt get more touches in overtime. After some really good games, to see Caleb elevates his game to a new level is a big sign for the future of the program. And doing it against pressure defense, damn I was a fool for jumping on him in the game thread after two early mistakes and will eat crow. This kid was everywhere, so smooth. Going forward Caleb is going to be noticed in the scouting report, going to free up some stuff for the rest of the team.

Mathis and Harper...I mean onions for Harper hitting that shot to tie it up in regulation. Thats big time confident...and while neither was able to hit that big shot in overtime, the two of them combined for 32 points. Harper really seems more comfortable in a faster pace than half court. Mathis hit some key shots and after that two game funk seems back in the fold again. Johnson hit some back to back shots in the run in the first half that ended up giving RU the lead but unfortunately didnt take a shot in the 2nd half with more Eugene and Carter in the game. Tough call there, you have to give Gene the minutes but I am not so sure that Myles might have given more production. Gene struggled today, he got those two fouls in the first half, 0 points and only ended up with 6 although he had 11 boards. He was frustrated on both ends and he couldnt really defend Georgi, he had plenty of company..neither could Carter nor could Doorson. Geo played solid offensively, still got himself in trouble a few times when he forced dribbling too deep and wound up turning it over. Still he got his shot back somewhat after that dreadful shooting game vs Michigan.

But RU was just a play or two away from winning, a foul shot here, a rebound there, a made 3, a defensive stop....just came up short. Knew this one would be tough as Illinois has been blossoming of late. Short of a win, what we saw today should encourage us all. Did everything but win. Always want to judge the growth of the program by teams in RU's vicinity and we are right there with Illinois...we drop to 4-3 in these type games. Going forward, key here is to be resilient and go out and beat Northwestern. Didnt have Eugene that game and didnt think the team put forth a good effort so we need to get this one. Can't play this well today and then lay an egg at Northwestern. Have to keep building

 

[RU MAN]

Bac, well said. We need to beat Northwestern. This team will learn how to win this kind of game, but if we hit our FT's in regulation, we may have stolen this game by 2-3 points. But one has to applaud Illinois in OT. After we got up early on them by 4 in OT they settled down and played good offensive sets and I don't think they missed any FT's in OT.

But as you pointed out; a shot here. A shot there. A foul not called here. A foul called there and the outcome would have been different. This was really, really close as two teams can be. And to think, we were super competitive with them without a true pg.

 

[jtung230]

Overall, it was a good performance. But Geo played very selfish b-ball and Pike has to make that D adjustment in the 2nd half. Good thing PSU lost today. Need more distance to not finish last.

 

[JQRU91]

I think this is the game where Eugene and Geo learn that they don't need to shoulder that much of the load. Two more points from Myles and all four freshmen would have been in double figures. And they played fearlessly.

 

[RUJMM78]

First, condolences to Coach Pikiell on the death of his mother. It had to be tough for him to be on the road away from his family having to coach. Thoughts and prayers to he and his family at this difficult time.

And what a game between two fairly evenly matched opponents. Two young teams that will do battle to move up in the Big 10 standings the next 4 years. This felt sort of like a NCAA type slugfest where both teams hit some big shots. Remember RU had a really memorable game vs Illinios in 3OTs at the RAC vs Illinois and then beat them the following year at the RAC ending their NCAA hopes. This could really be a rivalry going forward. Illinois was just a bit better today. Give alot of credit to them. They hit big shots in regulation to keep RU at bay and then in overtime down 4 plus stepped it up on defense especially rebounding. Just tip your caps to them, they made plays, we didnt. Giorgi was insane 14-18, 35 pts setting an Illinois freshmen record and this is just the beginning...3 more years of him and Pike will have to figure out how to defend him. Didnt look like he had the answers today. I guess he felt double teaming him would make us get burned from the perimeter but I mean maybe that was the gameplan but as we got deeper into the game he wasnt going to miss. In the end, the RU hot shooting just didnt continue. Mathis and Harper missed 3s that would have tied the game. If they do down maybe the outcome would have been different.

We shouldn't be discouraged because of the loss. While the opportunity was there the important thing is what we saw from the team. No one thought this game was going to go down like this. No one expected RU to be comfortable playing the Illinois quick pace style and be able to handle the pressure. Most were not even giving RU a shot in this game. But this team showed up...as a team. After a struggle early on with the Illinois pressure, RU cut way back on the turnovers and adjusted to the pace and began to take it to Illinois offensively as I dont think the Illini play great defense. They had to do that and they did.

Caleb McConnell hello....8-10, 25 points, 3-4 from 3....wow....9 rebounds are you kidding me. Caleb was money today. Its too bad he didnt get more touches in overtime. After some really good games, to see Caleb elevates his game to a new level is a big sign for the future of the program. And doing it against pressure defense, damn I was a fool for jumping on him in the game thread after two early mistakes and will eat crow. This kid was everywhere, so smooth. Going forward Caleb is going to be noticed in the scouting report, going to free up some stuff for the rest of the team.

Mathis and Harper...I mean onions for Harper hitting that shot to tie it up in regulation. Thats big time confident...and while neither was able to hit that big shot in overtime, the two of them combined for 32 points. Harper really seems more comfortable in a faster pace than half court. Mathis hit some key shots and after that two game funk seems back in the fold again. Johnson hit some back to back shots in the run in the first half that ended up giving RU the lead but unfortunately didnt take a shot in the 2nd half with more Eugene and Carter in the game. Tough call there, you have to give Gene the minutes but I am not so sure that Myles might have given more production. Gene struggled today, he got those two fouls in the first half, 0 points and only ended up with 6 although he had 11 boards. He was frustrated on both ends and he couldnt really defend Georgi, he had plenty of company..neither could Carter nor could Doorson. Geo played solid offensively, still got himself in trouble a few times when he forced dribbling too deep and wound up turning it over. Still he got his shot back somewhat after that dreadful shooting game vs Michigan.

But RU was just a play or two away from winning, a foul shot here, a rebound there, a made 3, a defensive stop....just came up short. Knew this one would be tough as Illinois has been blossoming of late. Short of a win, what we saw today should encourage us all. Did everything but win. Always want to judge the growth of the program by teams in RU's vicinity and we are right there with Illinois...we drop to 4-3 in these type games. Going forward, key here is to be resilient and go out and beat Northwestern. Didnt have Eugene that game and didnt think the team put forth a good effort so we need to get this one. Can't play this well today and then lay an egg at Northwestern. Have to keep building

Its hard to tell if this game was a aberration on offense or a real building block for future games.Northwestern doesn't play a high tempo game and prefers games in 60-70 point range.To win this game Rutgers needs back to back consistency from some of the double digit scorers in this game.I want McConnell to be a primary scoring option to see if he can handle the pressure.Rutgers still needs a go to shooter in crunch time.

 

[bac2therac]

I think the game will be back in the 60s.....we have more options but Northwestern's pace and defense is alot different than Illinois. I like you idea of more reliance on Caleb...and it could lead to an improved game from Eugene and Geo

and yeah still no crunch time shooter that demands and wants to take the shot. Geo is just too inconsistent in that spot and the frosh just too young but loved Harper was willing to take that shot before the end of regulation

 

[Upstream]

This was an incredibly frustrating loss because we played so well for much of the game, but sloppy turnovers cost us the points we needed to win in regulation.

Yeah, I get that this is an encouraging step in the trajectory of building a program. But, damn, I really wanted the win.

 

[jonS]

What's so encouraging about this team is that the Rutgers freshmen are playing like sophs and juniors. They are poised, play with confidence and never give up.They are not awed or intimidated. And they are good!!! You got to be excited about the future. What's so nice about the freshmen is that they all do so many things well. Mathis scores , plays tough defense , rebounds, handles the ball well and passes. Caleb does it all--rebounds , nice outside shot , defends and handles the ball. Harper looks so good especially in up tempo ball , handles the ball , rebounds and has been scoring. Johnson rebounds , scores some nice hoops down low but needs to add strength on defense. This team played very well when playing up tempo and pushing the ball up the floor. Our half court offense suffers from a lack of 3pt shooters. I know we lost and an OT loss is always a bitter pill. But you can't help but be optimistic about the future. Rutgers is coming on and the Big Ten has begun to notice. We need to beat NW but won't if we don't stop Pardon who hurt us last game.

 

[knights1212]

I was so proud of our guys today. Our freshmen scored almost all of our points. the future looks bright.

 

[MadRU]

I was very wrong about the matchup, was not expecting us to perform this well against Illinois away.

I still want the and one call on Caleb's shot. No side out, that should have been 2 points and a foul shot. Sorry, terrible call there.

We need a shot blocker, and another shooter (preferably) from the 4 position. I like what we are building here.

 

[Booty Maximus]

You guys have some nice young players and a really good coach. It's a tough slog to work your way up in the Big Ten, but I think you guys could be middle of the pack next season. Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State are all going to slide down so there's room to move up. Well, I guess PSU doesn't help... :)

 

[bac2therac]

yeah that one sucked but then in fairness the ref didnt give Illinois the basket on that stupid circus shot that flipped later in the half

 

[Night Man]

yeah that one sucked but then in fairness the ref didnt give Illinois the basket on that stupid circus shot that flipped later in the half

Yeah, both could have counted but the Illinois one was a continuation call whereas Caleb actually shot the ball upon being contacted

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Please don’t lose sight of the fact we gave up 99 points on 86 possessions. I love what our youngsters did offensively, but doing that poorly defensively will almost guarantee a loss

 

[Night Man]

Please don’t lose sight of the fact we gave up 99 points on 86 possessions. I love what our youngsters did offensively, but doing that poorly defensively will almost guarantee a loss

They were hot early, that's going to happen on the road. What I can't get with is the inability to bother the Georgian kid (who is excellent) in the 2nd half

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

The upside for this type of game is that there's no comparison to come up with in any recent road game in the B1G. I could say Michigan State last year but this one felt different.

The narrative of this being a Geo reliant roster is eroding but fans keep pointing in his direction as if there's some magic wand. What's evolving in the midst of these games is player development and an eventual transition of ownership and performance from the freshman.

There's nothing wrong with the entire roster owning the performance of the wins and losses, which is what a performance like tonight does. If the pattern continued with a 2 man show of Eugene and Geo, with some Mathis mixed in, that's not a sustainable way to develop a program.

What occured today was the bigs understanding that they can score, but they also need to see how post defense can impact a game.

What Harper, Mathis, Myles and Caleb are doing is offering substantial support that can deliver, if given opportunities to succeed or fail. The team didnt freeze up when Baker was taken away on multiple occasions down the stretch and others just reacted and played basketball.

This transition will eventually become lessening the need for Geo to make those plays and allow him to avoid those turnovers that are unforced. In some ways, Jacob Young is the bridge of experience and talent to help Geo and these frosh next year, so everyone knows they can contribute.

Roster still has a massive need for a 6'7 to 6'10 deer that can run, jump and contest/alter shots....it's much more of a need than the classic "stretch 4", that pick and pops from 3. That defender that can bother a Georgi or a Nick Ward from the weakside as a shot blocker. Take a couple of those shots away and RU can win these games in a year or so.

For those asking about single covering the post, get used to it vs Iowa in both upcoming matchups and I'm not doubling Derek Pardon of Northwestern, if he starts rolling on Wednesday night.....Going to give him 2s and ask our bigs to step up their play on defense.......just limit Ryan Taylor and others for open looks from 3.

When Iowa comes into the RAC, Tyler Cook, Isiah Moss and Luke Garza are all players capable for a big game like Georgi and Iowa is littered with spot up shooters everywhere..... I'm fine giving up 2s, if we can score on offense and keep pace.

 

[essexknight]

Bezhanishvili was the difference. RU unfortunately did not have an answer for him. It is tough to win when the opposition has a player who scores 35 pts on 14-18 shooting.

But despite this, there are a number of things to feeling good about from a RU perspective. The freshmen stepped up and played very well. Hopefully, they will build on this. Northwestern should be a competitive game.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

Please don’t lose sight of the fact we gave up 99 points on 86 possessions. I love what our youngsters did offensively, but doing that poorly defensively will almost guarantee a loss

We will learn how to win when we dance to someone else rhythm. It takes playing these games and learning from them before you win them...especially when you haven’t beem there before

 

[Night Man]

I would never double the post against Iowa with their shooters but Pardon is so much more of a threat than the rest of NW collectively, even with Taylor.

 

[bac2therac]

The upside for this type of game is that there's no comparison to come up with in any recent road game in the B1G. I could say Michigan State last year but this one felt different.

The narrative of this being a Geo reliant roster is eroding but fans keep pointing in his direction as if there's some magic wand. What's evolving in the midst of these games is player development and an eventual transition of ownership and performance from the freshman.

There's nothing wrong with the entire roster owning the performance of the wins and losses, which is what a performance like tonight does. If the pattern continued with a 2 man show of Eugene and Geo, with some Mathis mixed in, that's not a sustainable way to develop a program.

What occured today was the bigs understanding that they can score, but they also need to see how post defense can impact a game.

What Harper, Mathis, Myles and Caleb are doing is offering substantial support that can deliver, if given opportunities to succeed or fail. The team didnt freeze up when Baker was taken away on multiple occasions down the stretch and others just reacted and played basketball.

This transition will eventually become lessening the need for Geo to make those plays and allow him to avoid those turnovers that are unforced. In some ways, Jacob Young is the bridge of experience and talent to help Geo and these frosh next year, so everyone knows they can contribute.

Roster still has a massive need for a 6'7 to 6'10 deer that can run, jump and contest/alter shots....it's much more of a need than the classic "stretch 4", that pick and pops from 3. That defender that can bother a Georgi or a Nick Ward from the weakside as a shot blocker. Take a couple of those shots away and RU can win these games in a year or so.

For those asking about single covering the post, get used to it vs Iowa in both upcoming matchups and I'm not doubling Derek Pardon of Northwestern, if he starts rolling on Wednesday night.....Going to give him 2s and ask our bigs to step up their play on defense.......just limit Ryan Taylor and others for open looks from 3.

When Iowa comes into the RAC, Tyler Cook, Isiah Moss and Luke Garza are all players capable for a big game like Georgi and Iowa is littered with spot up shooters everywhere..... I'm fine giving up 2s, if we can score on offense and keep pace.

outstanding..well said

 

[essexknight]

Roster still has a massive need for a 6'7 to 6'10 deer that can run, jump and contest/alter shots....

This reminds me of Herve Lamizana.

 

[Degaz-RU]

This reminds me of Herve Lamizana.

Or Cliff Omoruyi...

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

We will learn how to win when we dance to someone else rhythm. It takes playing these games and learning from them before you win them...especially when you haven’t beem there before

Pike gave us a chance by danicing to their rhythm. We would have been blown out of the gym if the staff insisted on us running our offense. Turning the game in to a ymca game was the right move.

 

[rufeelinit]

Looked at the box score and even with overtime, the rotation was shortened with no Thiam and KIss playing 1minute. None of our bigs got to 20 min and Mathis and Harper were out there the most. Geo played a rather low 31 with OT. Probably because of the need to find more time for Caleb.

Lots of positives to keep you from being too down but it would have been nice to find a way to get that one.

 

[track71]

Illinois alum, long time NJ resident, with a wife who worked for Rutgers (past tense - I miss the free tickets),
I'm happy that both teams are moving up out of the basement and both teams will be in the upper half of the B1G next year. I hope a rivalry does develop. Lots of Illinois alums in the area. Now if we can get upward movement in football for both teams...

 

[RUChoppin]

Bezhanishvili had the Super Mario Bros invincibility star in this game. He was unstoppable down low, had great post moves, was almost automatic points on every touch... and could foul with near impunity on anyone who wasn't holding the ball. It was poetry how he was able to both score so effortlessly... and stay on the floor at all. Truly a stunning testament to what a player can accomplish with remarkable athleticism... and refs looking the other way.

This game was infuriating. I thought our guys played great, gave a ton of effort, and finally had some offensive spark. I also knew 5 minutes in that the "anything goes" style of officiating was going to play more to their favor than ours. I was amazed at how well they overcame so many shots to the head, hook and holds, and outright muggings and kept the game close. I'm also incredibly impressed with Omoruyi's composure in the thick of a lot of nonsense calls his way.

Great effort, some sloppiness, lots of great vibes for the future. Condolences to Pike on his mom.

 

[RUsince52]

Yeah, both could have counted but the Illinois one was a continuation call whereas Caleb actually shot the ball upon being contacted

I wouldn't call the Illinois shot continuation except in the NBA. Looked like he got bumped first with no shooting motion, took an off balance step and then decided to flip it up. Good thing it didn't count.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

We did a terrible job limiting Bezhanishv's touches. He needed to be fronted, and then increase pressure on the ball to make the entry pass difficult.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Caleb is that dude. Ive been saying this since late december but he has the highest ceiling of any player on our team, he does a lot of things really well. And he is an absolute sniper when open from there. He has a really pretty shot

 

[NiTeKnight]

Bezhanishvili had the Super Mario Bros invincibility star in this game. He was unstoppable down low, had great post moves, was almost automatic points on every touch... and could foul with near impunity on anyone who wasn't holding the ball. It was poetry how he was able to both score so effortlessly... and stay on the floor at all. Truly a stunning testament to what a player can accomplish with remarkable athleticism... and refs looking the other way.

This game was infuriating. I thought our guys played great, gave a ton of effort, and finally had some offensive spark. I also knew 5 minutes in that the "anything goes" style of officiating was going to play more to their favor than ours. I was amazed at how well they overcame so many shots to the head, hook and holds, and outright muggings and kept the game close. I'm also incredibly impressed with Omoruyi's composure in the thick of a lot of nonsense calls his way.

Great effort, some sloppiness, lots of great vibes for the future. Condolences to Pike on his mom.

Giorgi B. averages 12.2 pts/game, got 35 against RU; averages 54.3 FG%, today 77.8%; averages 62.7 Free throw %, today 87.5%. GB was unreal today to the detriment of RU.

 

[Scarlet83]

Looked at the box score and even with overtime, the rotation was shortened with no Thiam and KIss playing 1minute. None of our bigs got to 20 min and Mathis and Harper were out there the most. Geo played a rather low 31 with OT. Probably because of the need to find more time for Caleb.

Lots of positives to keep you from being too down but it would have been nice to find a way to get that one.

Geo sat a good portion of the first half after getting two fouls. That was when Caleb, Ronnie and Tez stepped up and closed the deficit. They had a great 8-10 minute stretch to end the first half.

And late game, lots of Geo, Tez, Caleb and Harper in the game with EO as the only big.

 

[Scarlet83]

H

No one thought this game was going to go down like this. No one expected RU to be comfortable playing the Illinois quick pace style and be able to handle the pressure. Most were not even giving RU a shot in this game. But this team showed up...as a team. After a struggle early on with the Illinois pressure, RU cut way back on the turnovers and adjusted to the pace and began to take it to Illinois offensively

I am on record in multiple pre-game posts that Montez and Harper would step up and play well with Illinois defensive pressure and focus on pressuring Geo. I have seen Harper and Montez thrive in transition and on more open floors by attacking the basket. How about that Mathis D rebound, where all 9 players were ahead of him in transition, and he attacks the middle of the floor on a coast to coast layup. The kid has balls. I also posted that this is a different team. We have more talent and we can play aggressively. So, I thought these youngins would have a good game aI will take FULL credit for that.

What I cannot take credit for is predicting that Caleb would flourish against that D. Man o man, did he come through.

And I also like 78s idea of seeing if Caleb can play the role of our #1 perimeter shooter.

 

[RUJMM78]

Caleb is that dude. Ive been saying this since late december but he has the highest ceiling of any player on our team, he does a lot of things really well. And he is an absolute sniper when open from there. He has a really pretty shot

Its too early to say who has the highest ceiling.I agree that McConnell deserves more playing time and that he does a lot of things very well.Like all the players on the team consistency is needed and that is what has been lacking game to game.There still is no go to scorer in crunch time which was seen in overtime against Illinois.

 

[Night Man]

I wouldn't call the Illinois shot continuation except in the NBA. Looked like he got bumped first with no shooting motion, took an off balance step and then decided to flip it up. Good thing it didn't count.

Yes I should have said "potential continuation call." I do think we see that amount of continuation afforded in the NCAA on occasion, but much more consistently in the NBA.

 

[goru7]

Yes I should have said "potential continuation call." I do think we see that amount of continuation afforded in the NCAA on occasion, but much more consistently in the NBA.

The foul by Eugene was outside before Frazier goes into any shooting Motion . That is an easy call. We are so used to getting screwed by the refs that we are even having a debate on the call when it was clearly a pre shot foul

 

[Scangg]

Looked at the box score and even with overtime, the rotation was shortened with no Thiam and KIss playing 1minute. None of our bigs got to 20 min and Mathis and Harper were out there the most. Geo played a rather low 31 with OT. Probably because of the need to find more time for Caleb.

Lots of positives to keep you from being too down but it would have been nice to find a way to get that one.

Some of us have been calling for Thiam and Kiss minutes to go to Caleb for about a month but we aren't "savvy" enough and didn't understand Pike has his reasons...

Caleb needs more minutes. Looks like it is FINALLY happening. Feels good to be so right honestly :)

 

[RickB113]

I was dead wrong about Caleb. After the first few games I never in a million years thought he could contribute like this. Now, I think a back court of him and Paul could be really dangerous. He will knock down open looks that Paul drivers.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

This reminds me of Herve Lamizana.

That is exactly the player we need ...

 

[ru66]

apparently giorgi plays much better at home than away

 

[RUsince52]

Yes I should have said "potential continuation call." I do think we see that amount of continuation afforded in the NCAA on occasion, but much more consistently in the NBA.

In the NBA it's accepted by players even if it's borderline before an actual shot. At least in college they can look at the monitor and hopefully make the right call. Shouldn't be as confusing as FB with all the technicalities. I think our basket was more legit to be called continuation.