I find it hard to understand why Illinois is a +1.5. I really think Arizona has not played well enough in the tourney to be the favorite in this one.
Illinois Arizona early thoughts.
- Thread starter goldcupsports
- Start date
I really think Illinois has played great basketball. It really has not been all that pretty but that's how they win with there ugly play at times with great defense. My only concern at this point is the play of Corey Bradford. Illinois really needs top guard play in this game. I think they matchup really well with this Arizona bunch.
Goldcupsports,
This message may be a little biased since I am an avid Arizona fan, but I have to respond to your message!
Arizona has not played well enough in the tourney? They have won their three games by a combined margin of 56 points! Also, if you are stating that Arizona has not played well due to yesterday's game, then you are seriously mistaken! Ole Miss was a physical team that Arizona really had not seen during the regular season. This worried me going in to this game, but they made the proper adjustments at the half and did what they needed to in order to win the game.
Also, Kansas was seriously overrated going into the Illini game. They simply do not play defense and it caught up with them against Illinois.
I'm not saying that the Illini could not cover or even win this game. . . but Arizona has had a good tournament so far and you have to believe they will come out ready to go against an Illinois team that beat them the last time these teams met.
This message may be a little biased since I am an avid Arizona fan, but I have to respond to your message!
Arizona has not played well enough in the tourney? They have won their three games by a combined margin of 56 points! Also, if you are stating that Arizona has not played well due to yesterday's game, then you are seriously mistaken! Ole Miss was a physical team that Arizona really had not seen during the regular season. This worried me going in to this game, but they made the proper adjustments at the half and did what they needed to in order to win the game.
Also, Kansas was seriously overrated going into the Illini game. They simply do not play defense and it caught up with them against Illinois.
I'm not saying that the Illini could not cover or even win this game. . . but Arizona has had a good tournament so far and you have to believe they will come out ready to go against an Illinois team that beat them the last time these teams met.
Well beardown arizona. When I say they have not played well I am reffering more as to there play early. They seems to start out a little slow. Dont get me wrong Arizona is a hell of a ballclub. I think Arizona will have some problems against Illinois defense. I really don't want to get into it with a Arizona fan. LOL!!! I just really thought this game was going to be a pick.
I will say this much. At least we are talking about this game early. I think there is going to be alot of money flying around on this one. I think this is the best game we will see this weekend.
Casper,
I couldn't resist! It's the same with Duke. . . I don't believe they have looked that great either, but you have to like their chances at getting to the Final Four! This is the same with Arizona because they have been able to outplay teams with completely different styles. . . I don't believe you can get much different than Butler vs. Ole Miss!
I couldn't resist! It's the same with Duke. . . I don't believe they have looked that great either, but you have to like their chances at getting to the Final Four! This is the same with Arizona because they have been able to outplay teams with completely different styles. . . I don't believe you can get much different than Butler vs. Ole Miss!
I would agree with that. I just think Illinois is not so much a different style. I think these teams are one in the same for the most part I just see Illinois really slowing the game down and playing tight tight defense. I think Arizona may really struggle in this one. Just my opinion.
[This message has been edited by goldcupsports (edited 03-24-2001).]
Goldcup,
I noticed that you are from Illinois. . . couldn't you be just a little biased as well?!?!?! LOL. If you believe that the Illini will win, then that's fine. And if you put your money on them, then good luck! But if you are putting your money on the Illini based on how Arizona has looked so far in the tourney, then I believe you are seriously mistaken!
I think that Arizona is favored based on the fact that most (at least the so called experts from ESPN, etc) believe Arizona is Final Four bound.
I noticed that you are from Illinois. . . couldn't you be just a little biased as well?!?!?! LOL. If you believe that the Illini will win, then that's fine. And if you put your money on them, then good luck! But if you are putting your money on the Illini based on how Arizona has looked so far in the tourney, then I believe you are seriously mistaken!
I think that Arizona is favored based on the fact that most (at least the so called experts from ESPN, etc) believe Arizona is Final Four bound.
Also dont be fooled by the first game in Hawaii where Arizona won by 3.......I remember betting on that game and Arizona was -3.5.........There were kicking a** the whole game being up from 8 to 14 points and Illinios got hot with 3's at the end to make it close.......
Yes I am from Illinois. I try not to be biased. Like I said before I really thought this game was going to be a pick. When I seen Illinois gettting points I was very surprised a really thought I seen value there. I do think that the very BAD play of Cook and griffith down low may have scued this line a bit. If those guys play like that versus the wildcats this game will be over at halftime. I just don't think folks are giving Illinois much credit still.
I like the Illini here. Superior depth and they have kids who know how to win. Williams, Griffin, and McClain won 3 straight HS titles in Ill. No easy feat. Even King HS in late 80's early 90's couldn't pull that off. Zona has an excellent starting 5, but you have to give Illini the edge when it comes to reserves. I still find it hard to believe Illini could beat Kansas relatively easy when Bradford shoots 1-13, Griffin fouls out with 2 points and Cook fouls out with 6. Talent wise these teams are pretty much even. I like Illinois mental toughness, physical play, and the way Frank Williams has matured. Not to take anything away from Zona. Should be a great game!
Reroy I think it was 4 state titles if I remember right. You are right those Chcago King teams where something special but could never put a big run together like Peoria Manuel did. I think in large part that is a credit to Sergio's father.
I guess I am talking to much just made a line check and Illinois has dropped down to a pick. If Illinois gets at least 2 I am on them pretty big. With them being currently at a pick I wouldn't touch it because I feel that is a very sharp line.
[This message has been edited by goldcupsports (edited 03-24-2001).]
[This message has been edited by goldcupsports (edited 03-24-2001).]
Reroy does raise a valid point for Illini takers: they certainly have the edge on physical play and mental toughness. However, I would question his assertion that Illinois has a deeper bench, but that is always left for interpretation.
When the line is 3 points or less for either side, I beleve you take the team that you feel will win the game. . . taking the line at +1.5 when you believe the line should be a PK does not hold a lot of value in my opinion. If you feel good that Illinios will win, then pick them. If you believe Arizona will win, then giving up 1-2 points shouldn't (obviously you never know, but still) be a problem.
As for me, I will not be placing a bet on this game. . . what I believe is that Arizona will find a way to win the game in the second half and dominate the second half as they have the entire tournament (my biased view). Lute Olson is a master at getting a team prepared to come out and take control in the second half. However, against Illinois, Arizona had better not get too far behind in the beginning of the game. . . the first half of the game should tell us a lot!
When the line is 3 points or less for either side, I beleve you take the team that you feel will win the game. . . taking the line at +1.5 when you believe the line should be a PK does not hold a lot of value in my opinion. If you feel good that Illinios will win, then pick them. If you believe Arizona will win, then giving up 1-2 points shouldn't (obviously you never know, but still) be a problem.
As for me, I will not be placing a bet on this game. . . what I believe is that Arizona will find a way to win the game in the second half and dominate the second half as they have the entire tournament (my biased view). Lute Olson is a master at getting a team prepared to come out and take control in the second half. However, against Illinois, Arizona had better not get too far behind in the beginning of the game. . . the first half of the game should tell us a lot!
Couldn't agree anymore!At this point I really am sitting back watching the line move around. I am bery glad to get all this feedback I hope more of you jump on board so we can get this game figured out.
"However, I would question his assertion that Illinois has a deeper bench, but that is always left for interpretation."
Come on, Arizona's bench is not on the same level as Illinois. Take the four best players from each bench...
Arizona's Bench:
Luke Walton
Eugene Edgerson
Justin Wessel
Lamont Frazier
Wessel didn't even play a second yesterday, Frazier didn't play a second against Butler. Lute doesn't have much confidence beyond Walton and Edgerson.
Illinois Bench:
Robert Archibald
Lucas Johnson
Sean Harrington
Damir Krupalija
They go for 26 pts last night, Illinois fouls out three players, and doesn't miss a beat. Illinois roster, from 1 through 10 is probably recognized as the deepest talent pool in college basketball, along with Maryland.
Come on, Arizona's bench is not on the same level as Illinois. Take the four best players from each bench...
Arizona's Bench:
Luke Walton
Eugene Edgerson
Justin Wessel
Lamont Frazier
Wessel didn't even play a second yesterday, Frazier didn't play a second against Butler. Lute doesn't have much confidence beyond Walton and Edgerson.
Illinois Bench:
Robert Archibald
Lucas Johnson
Sean Harrington
Damir Krupalija
They go for 26 pts last night, Illinois fouls out three players, and doesn't miss a beat. Illinois roster, from 1 through 10 is probably recognized as the deepest talent pool in college basketball, along with Maryland.
