Illinois Basketball: Saturdays Win “Quite a Feat”

Illinois Basketball: Saturdays Win “Quite a Feat”

Brad Underwood was very pleased with his team’s performance in Madison Wisconsin on Saturday. The Fighting Illini sneaks out of Badger territory with a 91-83 win. Thanks to the Illini’s efforts, Illinois Basketball has now secured a double-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament. This is the third time in Brad Underwood’s tenure at Illinois, that he has closed a double-round bye in the BTT. This was also the 4th consecutive win at the Kohl Center for Illinois Basketball and Coach Underwood. For those counting, that’s the 7th win in a row for Illinois vs the Badgers.

Underwood’s Post-Game Comments

In his post game press conference, Coach Brad Underwood was asked several questions regarding his feelings on the recent success the Illini have been able to have against such a storied program such as Wisconsin. Especially when you are able to consistently come into the Kohl center and take the air out of the crazy environment. Certainly, not typical of the recent history of Illinois Basketball.

Coach Underwood told media “This (Wisconsin) is such a great program, and it has been for so long. I may be wrong, but we’re not even halfway there to where Wisconsin’s streak was over us. So, we still have a lot of catching up to do.” Furthermore Underwood adds “I think out guys always get up for playing Wisconsin. Greg is one if my close friends in the profession, and I have so much respect for the job he does. Not trying to make light of anything, it is “Quite a feat” to come in and win some place four times in a row. Great players, great coaches, were beating a great program, and we are happy for that.”

Next Up

The Fighting Illini will square up with the Big Ten leading Purdue Boilermakers on Tuesday March 5th, at 6pm in Champaign. Certainly the biggest game of the season for Illinois Basketball, and more than likely the most anticipated game of the year in the Big Ten. With the Boilers coming off a tough 80-74 win over the Michigan state Spartans, they captured a share of the Big Ten title. If Illinois can find a way to take down the Boilers at home, and fend off the Hawkeyes once again on 3/10, then Illinois will have a shot at their share as well. However, Illinois Basketball will need the Boilers to drop both of their next two games. Of course, the big one coming up on Tuesday vs Illinois, then again vs Wisconsin at Mackey. Certainly not highly probable, but as the old saying goes….. “So you’re sayin there’s a chance?”

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