Although they won, it was a tale of two halves for the Fighting Illini. The first half featured an Illini team that couldn’t miss a shot while the second half featured an Illin team that couldn’t make a basket.

Illinois seemed like they came ready to play in the first half. Both teams seemed to be feeling each other out early (like two boxers in the fight). However, the Fighting Illini seemed to hit a spark after Brandon Paul nailed a three-pointer which gave them a one point lead.

Illinois was really able to build a lead in the last 7:30 of the first half. This was due to the fact that Colorado ended the first half scoreless in the last eight minutes. Illinois lead 37-21 at the half.

In the second half, Illinois came out completely flat footed. They made two free throws early in the half, but did not make an actual basket until the 8:36 mark. At that time, Colorado was up by three.

Mar 22, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandon Paul (3) shoots against Colorado Buffaloes forward Andre Roberson (21) in the second half during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Frank Erwin Center. Illinois beat Colorado 57-49. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

The Fighting Illini were able to fight back to regain their lead after D.J. Richardson and Paul hit back-to-back three’s. With a four point cushion, Illinois was able to ride their free throw shooting to the win.

This game was a perfect example of the types of teams that could show up for the Illini. One could see an Illini team that played well against Minnesota in their conference tournament or an Illini team that cannnot make a basket like when they played Indiana in the conference tournament.

The three Illinois players to reach double figures were Brandon Paul, D.J. Richardson, and Tracy Abrams. Paul led the team with 17 points and made an outstanding 9-of-10 free throws in the game.

Overall, Illinois shot well from the foul line, but not a good as they usually do.

In their two conference tournament games, Illinois was able to shoot 90% from the charity stripe, but only shot 70% on Friday against Colorado.

It was nice for Illinois to come out and get a win in their second round game of the NCAA Tournament, but it would have been nice to see a more consistent Illini team.

In the Round of 32, Illinois will face off against the (2) Miami Hurricanes. Miami defeated (15) Pacific, 78-49, on Friday.

It is for sure that Illinois will use a similar offensive gameplan against the Hurricanes. Why change what got you this far? Although, they will be playing a team that can defend better than Colorado and shoot the three ball just as well as Illinois (if not better).

On Friday, Miami went 12-of-22 from beyond the arc and Durand Scott made five out of his eight three-point attempts.

Sunday will be an interesting day for the Fighting Illini.

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Feb 21, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce during the post game press conference after the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall. Illinois defeated Penn State 64-59. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado pulled off a first round upset last tournament, as the #11 Buffaloes defeated the #6 UNLV Rebels last March. This matchup might be a little tougher, though. Illinois is a solid basketball team and beat two of the #1 seeds in the regular season. The Fighting Illini pulled off upsets against Gonzaga and Indiana, and they are the favorite heading into Friday’s game.

Mile High Maniac

Fightingillini.com

The Buffaloes believe the physical length of 6-7 Andre Roberson and 6-6 Spencer Dinwiddie will deter the long-range marksmanship of the Illini’s Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson in Friday’s second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Erwin Center

Cubuffs.com

Fightingillini.com

I’m going to try to not give (Paul) any breathing room, dictate where he goes, not where he wants to go, just be aggressive with him,” Roberson said Thursday. “I’m going to try not to let him get shots off because he’s a dangerous player and he likes the 3-ball. We will have a great game plan for him, and I’ll have to execute it. - Andre Roberson

Denverpost.com

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With tip-off being only hours away, here are five keys to victory for Illinois’ Second Round game against Colorado…

1) Rebounding

Rebounding the basketball has not been a strong point for the Illinois Fighting Illini this season. They have been out-rebounded as team in their last three games and their leading rebounder is only averaging 4.6 rebounds per game this year. On the other hand, Andre Roberson is Colorado’s leading rebounder and he is averaging 11.3 rebounds per game. Illinois will need to play a physical game today and will need to try and limit Roberson’s rebounding numbers. Remember, long shots equal long rebounds.

2) Make it to the foul line early and often

One of the biggest strengths for a team in the NCAA Tournament is free throw shooting. Illinois has done this very well this season. In the Big Ten conference tournament, they averaged around 90% from the foul line against both Indiana and Minnesota. Most of those free throws came against the Hoosiers where the Fighting Illini went 19-of-21 from the foul line. This is something they will need to do early and often to have success in their first tournament game this year. If Colorado needs to foul in order to extend the game towards the end, Illinois should be able to win.

3) Take smart shot

Jan 5, 2013; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandon Paul (3) makes a three pointer over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during the second half at Assembly Hall. Illinois defeated Ohio State 74-55. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game against Indiana, Illinois did not shoot the ball very well. The Illini looked like they were just shooting random shots and gave the Hoosiers the chance to out run them in transition. Brandon Paul especially didn’t shoot well. He shot 15.4% from the field. Paul scored 16 points, but eleven points came from foul shots. Illinois will need to either pass the ball around for a smart shot from beyond the arc or look to drive to the basket in order to get to the foul line.

4) Force turnovers

In their win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Big Ten conference tournament, Illinois forced a boatload of turnovers. Minnesota turned the ball over seventeen times compared to Illinois’ five. Colorado turned the ball over 13 times in their loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 tournament. The Illini should be in good shape if they play defense like they did against Minnesota in the Big Ten conference tournament. However, forcing turnovers will not be enough. They will also need to take care of the ball. Against Indiana, the Fighting Illini forced 13 turnovers, but committed twelve.

5) Get Brandon Paul going early against Andre Roberson

Colorado has come out and said that Andre Roberson will at least begin the game guarding Brandon Paul. The main reason for this is Roberson’s size. He is 6’7″ compared to Paul’s 6’4″. Roberson mentioned to the Denver Post that he is “going to try to not give any breathing room, dictate where he goes, not where he wants to go, just be aggressive with him.” Although, as head coach John Groce said in his press conference, “it is not Roberson v.s. Paul, but Illinois v.s. Colorado.” It is going to be a team game, but getting Paul going against Roberson would be a major boost for the Illini.

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