MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Illinois prepares for biggest test of season

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Dec. 14—CHAMPAIGN — After taking down one big test at home this week, the University of Illinois men’s basketball team is ready for an even bigger test.

The Illini (7-2 overall) will face No. 1 ranked Tennessee today at the State Farm Center after beating No. 20 Wisconsin on Tuesday.

“It has been a good few days. I thought we did a great job against Wisconsin, who is a heck of a club,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said. “I was pleased defensively on their 3-headed monster on the perimeter. I thought Kalen Boswell was outstanding in his work. Our next actions after the advantage was gained was some of the best of the season and we did a great job on the offensive glass.”

Underwood said they will have to do more against the Volunteers, who are 9-0 and have not had a close game so far.

“As we move into Tennessee, there is so much respect for (Tennessee head coach Rich Barnes),” Underwood said. “When this series was talked about, I knew playing Rick’s teams will only make us better. He is tough and they are tough and make you earn everything. You look at their name and you know what you are going to get.

“I played his teams when I was coaching at SFA and at Kansas State and he was at Texas. There is a lot of respect and he has won everywhere he has been. This is a very good basketball team and they have earned their ranking. They have done as great as of job of any team in the nation in evaluating portal players and their impact. (Chaz) Lanier is a terrific shooter and he has not missed a beat. (Zakai) Ziegler is what we had in Trent Frazier, an older player that does everything on the court. Felix Okpara has given them some size and athleticism at the rim and (Igot) Millicic is a terrific player and makes them go offensively. They are well put together and some great pieces that match and Rick instilled his toughness and discipline. I am looking forward to playing a great team and get our team better.”

The main challenge will be on the physical side against a Tennessee…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball-illinois-prepares-201600983.html

Author : Commercial-News, Danville, Ill.

Publish date : 2024-12-14 20:16:00

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