Illini vs Old Dominon Pregame-- 

 

Normally I wait for a couple of hours before tip-off to complete these pregames blogs of the other team, but since finals are over and I have more time to devote sports(for at least the next month) let’s knock it out now since the Illini are riding high coming off that win against #5 Michigan at home. The Monarchs come to town tomorrow night for a 5 pm tip, the game will be carried on WPXN airwaves tomorrow night, as we are your seasons’ ticket to a world of sports. Here are some stats and notable things about the Monarchs. 

 

They are in the CUSA conference, and they are coming fresh off a loss against VCU in their last outing on the 7th. They were beat 69-57 on the road. This season however the Monarchs are 3-7 (0-0) in the conference, and they did make an NCAA Tournament appearance last season. 

 

Their best player is Xavier Green, a Williamsburg Va, and Williamsburg Christian Academy product, his stat line is off the charts. He’s averaging over 14 PPG, 5 REB, and 1.5 ASST. Now, those numbers aren’t astonishing, he’s leaps and bounds ahead of the next leading scorer on the team(Malik Curry 10.6). The Monarchs are only averaging 61.8 PPG while the Illini are averaging 67.9, so by the scoring average, the Illini have a clear advantage. 

 

That doesn’t mean that the Illini can take their foot off the gas since they are playing a lesser opponent than Michigan. It means that they need to keep improving team cohesion every day in practice and in games, which is what happens when you win. Looking at this game, the Illini should be able to improve their record to 8-3 and head to St. Louis for Braggin’ Rights on a two-game win streak. 

 

I will have more tomorrow closer to tip on Old Dominion including probable starters.