Obviously the main game for Big East fans is UConn - Illinois. But figured I would make a thread for us to discuss both games. We're all basketball fans in here after all.

Saturday 4/4:

UConn vs Illinois -6:09pm, TBS

Arizona vs Michigan -8:49pm, TBS

Monday 4/6:

UConn vs Michigan -8:50pm, TBS

A wide-open battle looms. As is almost always the case, any of the four could win it all.

I thought Duke was a "notch" better than UConn (and that likely was the case for the duration of the season). But UConn is as good as any other team and has a legit shot.

Illinois is the "underdog."

I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

(04-02-2026 10:06 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

Where are you seeing they're the underdogs? They're -1.5, -110 and have been favored since the line opened from what I've seen.

As far as the bigs go, we held them to a combined 15 points and 14 rebounds on 4-10 shooting in 42 minutes with a banged up Reed (who probably shouldn't even have been playing.) It won't be a walk in the park and both teams are obviously different but I'm certainly not scared as a UConn fan

(04-02-2026 06:18 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 10:06 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

Where are you seeing they're the underdogs? They're -1.5, -110 and have been favored since the line opened from what I've seen.

As far as the bigs go, we held them to a combined 15 points and 14 rebounds on 4-10 shooting in 42 minutes with a banged up Reed (who probably shouldn't even have been playing.) It won't be a walk in the park and both teams are obviously different but I'm certainly not scared as a UConn fan

I was responding to Bill Dazzle’s comment about the underdog.

Good points about the first meeting.

(04-02-2026 07:56 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 06:18 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 10:06 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

Where are you seeing they're the underdogs? They're -1.5, -110 and have been favored since the line opened from what I've seen.

As far as the bigs go, we held them to a combined 15 points and 14 rebounds on 4-10 shooting in 42 minutes with a banged up Reed (who probably shouldn't even have been playing.) It won't be a walk in the park and both teams are obviously different but I'm certainly not scared as a UConn fan

I was responding to Bill Dazzle’s comment about the underdog.

Good points about the first meeting.

My bad, it wasn't a reply to his post so for some reason I didn't even think that's what you were responding to, despite it being just one post above yours.

For a short work week, it certainly was a long week for me, lol. Thankfully I'm off today

Your bad? How about me? I forgot that we had played the Illini before. Here I was posting all those numbers when all I should have done was to look at the box score of our last game with them. I’m an idiot. Your post really helped me out, Nameless. Thanks for that.

(04-02-2026 07:56 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 06:18 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 10:06 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

Where are you seeing they're the underdogs? They're -1.5, -110 and have been favored since the line opened from what I've seen.

As far as the bigs go, we held them to a combined 15 points and 14 rebounds on 4-10 shooting in 42 minutes with a banged up Reed (who probably shouldn't even have been playing.) It won't be a walk in the park and both teams are obviously different but I'm certainly not scared as a UConn fan

I was responding to Bill Dazzle’s comment about the underdog.

Good points about the first meeting.

Yep. I was simply (and in a general sense) noting lots of folks likely think Illinois is the "least likely" to win the title.

(04-03-2026 08:59 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 07:56 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 06:18 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 10:06 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

Where are you seeing they're the underdogs? They're -1.5, -110 and have been favored since the line opened from what I've seen.

As far as the bigs go, we held them to a combined 15 points and 14 rebounds on 4-10 shooting in 42 minutes with a banged up Reed (who probably shouldn't even have been playing.) It won't be a walk in the park and both teams are obviously different but I'm certainly not scared as a UConn fan

I was responding to Bill Dazzle’s comment about the underdog.

Good points about the first meeting.

Yep. I was simply (and in a general sense) noting lots of folks likely think Illinois is the "least likely" to win the title.

The way these things go, I’m guessing that means they’ll win it all.

To me, Illinois looks like they have the edge over UConn on paper despite the outcome of the first matchup. However, this game has parallels to the Duke game in that Illinois starts 2 freshmen, a sophomore, a junior, and a senior. So, they’re pretty young. One of those freshmen is both the leading scorer and the assists leader. Do you really want your offense running through a freshman in a game this big? It was a freshman’s mistake that cost Duke in the last game. Contrast that with UConn’s lineup which starts 2 seniors, 2 juniors, and 1 freshman. And the offense doesn’t exactly run through Mullins. With so many of those guys having tournament experience and with Karaban and Ball, in oarticular, having Final Four experience, that’s a big plus for UConn. Could be the difference maker. And, of course, this has become Danny Hurley’s time of year.

(04-03-2026 10:12 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(04-03-2026 08:59 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 07:56 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 06:18 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(04-02-2026 10:06 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  I’m surprised that Illinois is the underdog. Those guys can really score the ball. Here are some of their stats:

83.8 ppg - 24th in the country
57.9% 2-pt FG % - 28th in the country
78.0 FT % - 14th in the country
41.0 RPG - 10th in the country
13.4 ORPG - 16th in the country
4.6 BlkPG - 33rd in the country
8.8 TovPG - 5th fewest in the country
13.3 PF - 2nd fewest in the country

40.7 opponents’ FG% - 25th lowest in the country
30.6 opponents’ RPG - 17th lowest in the country
68.7 opponents’ ppg - 51st lowest in the country

15.1 scoring margin - 9th best in the country
10.4 rebound margin - 7th best in the country

All 5 of their starters average in double figures. The numbers tell us that they have a very strong inside game. They have 7’1” twin brothers whom they often play together, creating nightmare matchups for their opponents. Only one of their starters is under 6’6”. They have the numbers. I think that UConn is going to have their hands full.

Where are you seeing they're the underdogs? They're -1.5, -110 and have been favored since the line opened from what I've seen.

As far as the bigs go, we held them to a combined 15 points and 14 rebounds on 4-10 shooting in 42 minutes with a banged up Reed (who probably shouldn't even have been playing.) It won't be a walk in the park and both teams are obviously different but I'm certainly not scared as a UConn fan

I was responding to Bill Dazzle’s comment about the underdog.

Good points about the first meeting.

Yep. I was simply (and in a general sense) noting lots of folks likely think Illinois is the "least likely" to win the title.

The way these things go, I’m guessing that means they’ll win it all.

To me, Illinois looks like they have the edge over UConn on paper despite the outcome of the first matchup. However, this game has parallels to the Duke game in that Illinois starts 2 freshmen, a sophomore, a junior, and a senior. So, they’re pretty young. One of those freshmen is both the leading scorer and the assists leader. Do you really want your offense running through a freshman in a game this big? It was a freshman’s mistake that cost Duke in the last game. Contrast that with UConn’s lineup which starts 2 seniors, 2 juniors, and 1 freshman. And the offense doesn’t exactly run through Mullins. With so many of those guys having tournament experience and with Karaban and Ball, in oarticular, having Final Four experience, that’s a big plus for UConn. Could be the difference maker. And, of course, this has become Danny Hurley’s time of year.

I predict UConn wins due to, as you note, experience. But Illinois is strong. Should be a great game.

There you have it. A Dazzling prediction!

Here’s hoping you’re right, Bill.

(04-03-2026 12:31 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  There you have it. A Dazzling prediction!

Here’s hoping you’re right, Bill.

Some really bad calls by the refs, still won it 71-62.

5 down, 1 to go!

3 championship games in 4 years. Unheard of!!! Go, Huskies!

Bring on Michigan. Tarris Reed has a score to settle.

(04-04-2026 07:47 PM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  3 championship games in 4 years. Unheard of!!! Go, Huskies!

Bring on Michigan. Tarris Reed has a score to settle.

I was hoping for a revenge game with Arizona. But the way Michigan is dominating them without Yaxel right now its looking like Tarris will get his chance to show them who's boss

Congrats to UConn on another trip to the championship game. Michigan is looking unbeatable in the second game, but I've learned you never count out the Huskies. Go get No.7 Monday night!

Congrats to Nameless and Bill Marsh (and the other UConn fans on the board).

Stats of note:

UConn had 14 assists on 22 made field goals, while committing a mere four turnovers. That is strong on both counts.

(04-05-2026 07:25 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Congrats to Nameless and Bill Marsh (and the other UConn fans on the board).

Stats of note:

UConn had 14 assists on 22 made field goals, while committing a mere four turnovers. That is strong on both counts.

Going to need to repeat that type of offensive efficiency to win Monday night.

For those that haven't seen, Solo Ball is now in a walking boot, questionable for Monday night's game.

Adjustments I might make for tonight’s game against Michigan if I’m Dan Hurley:

1. Feature Braylon Mullins more in the offense - especially since Solo Ball is hurting. As UConn initiates its offense, Mullins is usually the last person to touch the ball - if it gets to him at all. I would get the ball to him sooner and let Solo ease up in his game.

2. Use a press and some traps to try to create turnovers in the backcourt before Michigan can get the ball to its dominating low post game. UConn showed some press early against Illinois.I’d do more of that here.

3. Find minutes for Jaylin Stewart. UConn is going to need to use its depth so that it doesn’t wear down against Michigan’s size. Stewart has played single digit minutes in the last 3 games as he’s come back from injury. I think they’ll need his size in this one and I’d like to see him in there for about 15 minutes. I might even swing Mullins into the backcourt when Stewart comes into the game to give Ball a rest.

(04-06-2026 09:55 AM)Bill Marsh Wrote:  Adjustments I might make for tonight’s game against Michigan if I’m Dan Hurley:

1. Feature Braylon Mullins more in the offense - especially since Solo Ball is hurting. As UConn initiates its offense, Mullins is usually the last person to touch the ball - if it gets to him at all. I would get the ball to him sooner and let Solo ease up in his game.

2. Use a press and some traps to try to create turnovers in the backcourt before Michigan can get the ball to its dominating low post game. UConn showed some press early against Illinois.I’d do more of that here.

3. Find minutes for Jaylin Stewart. UConn is going to need to use its depth so that it doesn’t wear down against Michigan’s size. Stewart has played single digit minutes in the last 3 games as he’s come back from injury. I think they’ll need his size in this one and I’d like to see him in there for about 15 minutes. I might even swing Mullins into the backcourt when Stewart comes into the game to give Ball a rest.

As far as trapping, I'm not sure I agree. Michigan likes to get out in transition and if they break the press you're giving them an easy chance to do so.

Stewart was seen wincing in the Illinois game so I'm not sure he will be given extra minutes. I would however play Ross more, especially with Solo hurting. He's bigger and a better defender.

I really wish this game wasn't on at basically 9pm, it's 2pm here and I'm already burnt out lol.