Illinois basketball most likely scenario
It has been a weird season. At one time, we were the darlings of college basketball. Now, the Illinois basketball program is looking to get back on track.
I think the Illini will look better in the coming days. We are getting healthier, and after the dismantling against Duke, Brad Underwood is likely to have this team ready for the rest of the season.
My belief is that Iowa is going to get trucked on Tuesday night. This is a huge game for the Illini, and we need to come out and look good. This team is on the ropes, as the NCAA tournament is by no means a lock. Illinois should beat the Hawkeyes by double-digit points.
Going on the road against No. 15 Michigan is going to be tough. The Wolverines actually have a good coach now, and that could end Illinois’ eight-game winning streak. I miss Juwan Howard and his awful coaching.
Since Michigan does have a good coach and solid talent, I could see Illinois competing but falling short against a tough Wolverines squad.
When No. 20 Purdue comes to Champaign on March 7, I think there could be different vibes surrounding the Illini. We beat Iowa and were so close against Michigan. To finish the 2024-25 regular season, Illinois snags another Quad 1 win against the Boilermakers.
That puts Illinois at 19-12 overall and 11-9 in the Big Ten as my most likely scenario. So, where does that put us in the Big Ten Tournament? Oregon has an easy schedule to finish the season, so I think it is likely for the Illini to finish the season as the No. 8 seed.
Nebraska or Indiana would be the likely opponent in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, as Illinois would get the single-bye. I would much rather have the Hoosiers, as we pummeled them this season. Illinois also took Nebraska to overtime in Lincoln. I think we can take out either program to advance to the Elite 8 of the Big Ten Tournament.
The No. 1 seed Michigan State awaits. I think Illinois has a legitimate chance to take down the Spartans. We only lost by two points in East Lansing. Illinois also led at halftime in the game just days ago. It is hard to beat a team three times in a season as well. The Illini would compete in this game but probably fall just short.
Going 1-1 in the Big Ten Tournament puts Illinois at 20-13 overall heading into Selection Sunday. I could see that getting us a No. 8 seed. We would open up against a No. 9 seed and advance to the Round of 32. That is where the season would likely end.