By the way, I didn’t see all that much 1-3-1 zone during the 20-2 run by Illinois. I think it had more to do with Thompson being on the bench, which caused our offense and defense to get out of sync (since he’s almost always on the floor). In fact, I credit Carmody more than anyone else for this win.

Big Men: Grade B+

Another good outing from Luka, and Rowley has looked pretty good in the last two wins. He still doesn’t look great shooting the ball (basically he just threw up that second layup), but today the shots went in. Good rebounding and defense by both of them as well. They were a major factor in neutralizing Tisdale.

Forwards: Grade B+

Despite foul trouble, John Shurna had another good game. He took a few bad long deuces from the corner, which I didn’t like. But a solid game from the free throw line and some clutch shots late were a big part of the Cats’ win.

Guards: Grade B+

Thompson committed a stupid foul early in the first half, making him pretty much a non factor in the game (save for that late three, which was huge). Fortunately, the rest of the guards were there to pick up the slack. Could Drew Crawford be our best recruit ever? He’s so quick and athletic, and made some nice plays at the rim. Nash played stifling defense, as usual. Once again, Marcotullio looked lost. He missed his only three, and didn’t do much. He’s a freshman, though, so let’s cut him some slack. And he drew a nice charge.

Coaching: Grade B+

First, the bad. Carmody, you can’t just let the Illini go on a 20-2 run after you’ve grabbed the early lead. I didn’t see all that much 1-3-1, but maybe I missed something. Regardless, whatever they were doing wasn’t working. He also didn’t game plan for the dribble penetration of Illinois’ guards, which allowed them to get way too many easy layups.

However, Carmody also deserves a lot of credit for other things. With a lot of his best guys in foul trouble, he was able to utilize his bench effectively. And he made some key adjustments after watching the first game. Tisdale and Davis (the two big men) were not nearly as effective as they were in the first matchup. That’s on the coaching as much as the players. So, well done there. I also loved the switch to a full court press, which got the Illini out of their rhythm and forced some quick shots and turnovers. I’d like to see the Cats do more of that against some of their other opponents (Indiana, for example). I’ve never understood why more teams don’t use the press. Good game, coach. When your team shoots the ball terribly from 3 point range and you win anyway, that’s good coaching.

Game MVP: Jeremy Nash

Next on the chopping block: Minnesota. We really need to split with Minnesota this season. Beating them on the road won’t be easy, since their only home loss was by 1 point in overtime to Michigan State. Containing the dangerous Blake Hoffabeur (don’t think I spelled that right) will be a major key, since he’s extremely dangerous from three point range. Playing 1-3-1 against this team would be a mistake. Remember, Carmody, you have the athletes now to play man (or matchup zone) against almost every Big Ten team. The 1-3-1 should be used as a change of pace, for only one or two possessions at a time. If at all.

notournamentexpansion.blogspot.com (get the word out)

Why does Bill Carmody use the 1-3-1 defense with Juice Thompsen as the guy under the basket? Ohio State had who knows how many dunks, Juice gaurding Mike Tisdale is not a good thing, having Luca or Kyle Rowley at the top of the key is not good for rebounding, time to bag the 1-3-1.