B1G Game 4: Gophers host Illinois (1-5-25)

Donate To GopherHole
I

Ignatius L Hoops

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 9, 2015
Messages
10,596
Reaction score
3,415
Points
113
Shauna Green entered her third Champaign campaign with elevated expectations and a shiny new contract extension that runs through 2029-30 and pays a base of at least 1.2 million per year plus incentives. In Green’s first season the Illini finished 22-10 (11-7 B1G) and were rewarded with a trip to the NCAA tournament. Last season was a bit of a downer 19-15 (8-10 B1G). However, Illinois managed a late season resurgence including winning the inaugural WBIT and breathing some momentum into a team which battled in season injuries. Unfortunately, injuries continue to impact this veteran group of players.

Illinois is 1-2 in Big Ten play: they lost at Ohio State 74-83, defeated Oregon 64-59 and lost to Washington 75-84. The Illini starters are: (listed with their B1G stats):

5’6” graduate point guard Genesis Bryant averages 25.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 38 minutes per game. She played 38 minutes and scored 19 points in last season’s 73-68 home win over the Gophers.

6’2” graduate forward Kendall Bostic averages 14.7 points and 9;7 rebounds in 39.3 minutes. She played 38 minutes, scored 6 points and grabbed 17 rebounds versus Minnesota.

5’9” sophomore guard Jasmine Brown-Hagger transferred from Mississippi State and averages 8.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 29.7 minutes.

5’10” senior forward Adalia McKenzie averages 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 31.0 minutes. She had 2 points in 26 minutes versus the Gophers.

6’3” senior forward Brynn Shoop-Hill averages 3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 25 minutes.

You’ll notice some missing names

Point guard Makira Cook who scored 22 points in 38 minutes against Minnesota continues to stretch the phrase “day to day” and hasn’t played since the loss to Ohio State.

Last season B1G all freshman team member Gretchen Dolan struggled with a knee injury and only played against Washington.

Baylor transfer 6’7” Lety Vasconcelos was sidelined by an ACL.

6’1” freshman forward Berry Wallace averages 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13.7 minutes.

And some good news is that Camille Hobby who posted 19 points in 32 minutes against the Gophers graduated.

In the post Washington loss presser Shauna Green opined on the practical injury issues (via 247 sports).

Green said there was a disconnect between the team's scout defense and the way the defense played today, even referencing the lack of a "regular" scout team due to injuries, which is affecting game preparation.

"We got our coaches and they don't move that fast," Green joked.
Click to expand...
 



Other teams took advantage of Braun’s absence-due-to-injury last season. Only fair for the Gophers to take advantage of Cook’s expected absence tomorrow.

 
Last edited:

BigTenGuy said:
Other teams took advantage of Braun’s absence-due-to-injury last season. Only fair for the Gophers to take advantage of Cook’s expected absence tomorrow.
Click to expand...

If Illinois didn't get Braun injured last year they likely lose and might not end up making it to the WBIT (which, off course, they won) so they owe Minnesota.
 
Last edited:


BigTenGuy said:
Other teams took advantage of Braun’s absence-due-to-injury last season. Only fair for the Gophers to take advantage of Cook’s expected absence tomorrow.

Click to expand...
Sure hope Gophs come out with the same intensity as the Penn State game.
 







Good defensive game but Gophers struggling to score, another game with a lid on the basket for lay ups etc. Illini has had some great looks from the arch, hoping Gophers can clean that up in the second half.
 





Does this team practice lay ups. Long standing issue with this team. McKinley unfortunately playing like a freshman
 



Literally shocked at the missed layups. Ugh I wish we were healthy to see this team at 100%. Not an excuse but really missing the once strong bench.
 











Star City said:
If Illinois didn't get Braun injured last year they likely lose and might not end up making it to the WBIT (which, off course, they won) so they owe Minnesota.
Click to expand...
and McKenzie fouled out and she was the one that closed out on Braun last year when she got injured. not to be petty or anything...
 


I thought two things turned the game around. Stewart got more minutes in the 2nd half, and Tori playing the point at the end. She did a better job than Battle in moving the ball. Having the ball in her hands also got her to the free throw line. She and Grace had ice in their veins today.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.



Top Bottom