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#1
Haven't posted in a few months, but I want to take a moment to share my largest play of the season.
Illinois -2.5 5U
This is an huge game for the Illini on so many levels. They are finally back into the NCAA tournament talks after 3 very impressive wins. This is their most winnable remaining Big 10 road game and would be a huge step in getting this team over .500 in conference play. The Illini also have revenge for a 14-point home loss earlier this season. If all that isn't enough, this is still a huge rivalry game regardless of the circumstances.
Northwestern's season is all but done. The injury to Swopshire is just another in a long line of tough breaks for this Wildcats this season. In addition, Hearn and Olah are both banged up and questionable to play. The loss of Swophshire leaves the Wildcats with an extremely inexperienced front court, particularly if Olah can't go. The Illinis front court consists of two seniors and a sophomore, all of whom have been playing well of late.
In terms of matchups, I believe the Illini have the outside shooters to succeed against the Northwestern zone. I also like the fact that Illinois key players have some experience against Carmody's systems.
Evanston is not an easy place to win, but bottom line, if the Illini cannot win under these circumstances then they don't belong in the tournament.
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