Illinois Basketball Prepared For a “Very Special Night”

Illinois Basketball Prepared For a “Very Special Night”

Illinois Basketball is quickly barreling toward the 2024 Big Ten and NCAA men’s basketball tournaments. Standing between them would be 7’4 Zach Edey, and the no.3 Purdue Boilermakers, who will look to spoil senior day in Champaign. Shortly after the new year, Matt Painters crew was able to hold off the Fighting Illini late at Mackey Arena to secure a 78-83 win. For major context, this was also without Illinois star Terrance Shannon Jr on the floor while he was serving an indefinite suspension. Illinois was still able to give the Boilermakers a run for their money late in West Lafayette. However, this very tough and talented Purdue team was able to hold off Illinois, despite a late run, and secure the win. The game always seemed to be in the grasp of Purdue, and they certainly closed.

Tuesdays Matchup

Sweet revenge is in the air for Illinois Basketball, and now Matt Painters crew has to take this rumble to the State Farm Center. A sold out crowd is anticipated to be rocking, for what will be one of the most exciting matchups of the 2024 college basketball season. The Illini tip-off at 6pm on the always “fan favorite” Peacock. My opinion, and I know, it stinks, pay the 6 bucks.  This game is going be a heck of a matchup in Champaign, and the Stars are ready to shine. It will be well worth it.

Of course, by now we all know what Zach Edey brings to the table for Matt Painters squad. He is a very big, very athletic individual. Who typically, is going to get his on any given night. A large task for Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja to try and take on. Perhaps the biggest test of their careers.

Guard Braden Smith is currently averaging 13.1 ppg for the neighbors in West Lafayette. Furthermore, making him the Boilers second leading producer. Smith leads the team in Assists with with 7.1 apg, and steals with 1.7 spg. An extremely efficient and athletic player, who is one of many Purdue players (other than Zach Edey) who can make you pay. Another being lance Jones, an Illinois native from Evanston. Lance is currently closely trailing smith in efficiency 12.6 ppg, 2.2 apg and 2.7 spg. Another tough and dependable player, who scored 17 in the Illini and boilers last meeting on Jan 5th.

Underwoods Statement On Senior Day

“This has been an extremely fun group to coach. Far and away the most pleasurable year with character, with fun, with guys that work, guys that have bought into our culture. All the ups and downs of a season, and everything this group has gone through. This one will always hold a specials place. Hopefully there is a lot of chapters left to write yet, but this has been an incredible group. From the walk-ons, to the four year guys with Coleman, its been really special.” Says Underwood. Brad then finishes with “For the moment, this is a very special night.”