Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Indiana

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) moves to shoot the ball while Indiana Hoosiers forward Race Thompson (25) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) moves to shoot the ball while Indiana Hoosiers forward Race Thompson (25) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 11: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a play during the first half in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Big Ten Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 11: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a play during the first half in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Big Ten Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

5. No matter what, Illinois basketball is back

I am not going to lie, the loss to Indiana on Friday hurt. I think losing to the Hoosiers is what really hurts the most because I hate Indiana and want to see them fall. So, having the Hoosiers beat us is painful.

But losses do happen, and there is a history of the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament falling in the first game they play. In fact, it has happened six times in the history of the Big Ten Tournament, which dates back to I believe 1998.

Even with the painful loss to Indiana, that doesn’t derail what has been built and what continues being built in Champaign. Illinois basketball was in a dark place, along with the fanbase, for much of the 2010s. This program was lost without an Atlas.

But the hiring of Brad Underwood gave the Illini some guidance. We have started winning again. On Sunday, Illinois basketball is going to hear our name called for the NCAA tournament. We will likely be somewhere in the No. 4 or No. 5 seed range.

When we land in one of those No. 4 or No. 5 spots, it will be the second-highest seeding Illinois has had in over a decade. Not only that, but it will be the third-straight year Illinois makes the NCAA tournament. Soak that in for a moment. Three-straight NCAA tournament appearances. That hasn’t happened since 2004-06.

Yes, it was a terrible loss, and I am still thinking about it at this moment. We could have easily knocked off Indiana. But, in the words of the great Alfred Pennyworth, “why do we fall, sir? So, we can learn to pick ourselves up.” This loss will only give us strength in the NCAA tournament. Let’s win the whole dang thing.

Next. Illini receive Crystal Ball Prediction for 4-star recruit. dark

Home/Illinois Basketball