Illini guards finally fed Meyers the ball down low, and he showed why they should have done that all year. He played big and with energy in the first half. He finally jumped up and glasses two shots in a row from the Hawkeyes. I have been saying all year, he needs to jump up and if not block shots, at least affect them. If he could do that all game, he can average 3-5 blocks a game, instead of just 2. People would recognize him with Anthony Davis for being the top shot blockers in the nation.
The few that were in attendance for the game tonight were actually quite energetic, along with the Orange Krush (the Illini's student section). The Illini played with energy and came ready to play.
Hawkeye guard, Matt Gatens was held to just four points in the second half, after being 5-5 from the 3-point line in the first half.
Going back to Meyers Leonard, today might indicate how he could play for the rest of the year. If he plays like that, nothing but good can happen. His draft stock can rise and the Illini can win some games.
If the Illini beat Michigan, Wisconsin, and at least two games in the B1G Conference Tournament, they have a chance of making the Big Dance in March. Is Bruce gone no matter what happens? Hopefully not. Bruce is a great guy and I'd hate to see him go. But I think if the Illini make the Big Dance depends on how Meyers Leonard plays.
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