Illinois Basketball: Preparing For “More Than Impressive” SIUE

Brad Underwood Expects SIUE to Challenge Illinois Basketball

Brad Underwood is preparing the 1-0 Illinois Basketball team for yet another in-state showdown.  This time around, it’s coach Brian Barone, and the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars, who will look to knock off the Illini in Champaign.

The Cougars held their own in eye-opening fashion against No. 17 Indiana for much of Wednesday’s game but ultimately fell 80-61. SIUE stayed competitive in the first half until a 15-3 run before halftime pushed the Hoosiers to a 42-30 lead.

Despite the eventual loss, Barone’s squad challenged the likes of Oumar Ballo on the glass and remained within reasonable striking distance the entire game. If Illinois goes into this one flat, the experienced Cougars could be a problem for an Illini team with a lot of (almost all) new faces.

After pushing Mike Woodson’s team on Wednesday night, Brad Underwood is now preparing for a serious test from their in-state rival, from just 200 miles south.

Underwood on SIUE

Underwood opened his comments on the Cougars, stating that they are “Very Good.” 

“They’re coming off a game last night against Indiana, (11/6, Indiana 80 – SIUE 61) and they were in that thing until midway through the 2nd half,” Underwood states. “Extremely well coached. They have legit size, they have a great guard (Ray’Sean Taylor), and they were more than impressive last night in Bloomington (In).” 

The Illinois Basketball coach went on to praise the Illini’s neighbors to the south, saying, “I think 16 offensive rebounds they got (Vs Oumar Ballo and Indiana)… They play really hard. So, we’ve got to grow from the first game in some areas,” says Underwood. “We’ll expect them to challenge us on the glass with their physicality, they’ve got size. Got a couple of JUCO kids (Myles Thompson, Ring Malith) that were at Barton County, which won a national championship.”

Brad Concluded his remarks on SIUE, “So, they know how to win. They’ve got size on the perimeter as well, they can be 6’9 at the 3. Excited about the Challenge. They are extremely well coached, and we’ll have to play well.”

Video Credit: Illini Guys

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