Congrats from an Illinois fan. I know there are a lot of "crazies" in our fan base, but most decent Illini fans knew this would be a difficult game. A lot of us really hoped you would end up on the other side of the bracket, but dang, shit happens. Definitely didn't want you in the 8/9 game. Being from Southern Illinois and pretty much in the heart of MVC country, I know how good the league is even when it is supposedly "down". The team that wins the league can compete with anyone because you know they are disciplined, fundamental, physical, and especially good defensively.

Don't know what else to say, but your game plan was beautiful, offensively and defensively. Players executed it to perfection and at no point did I feel like we had much for you after the first 5 minutes. Exploited all of our weaknesses again and again, offensively and defensively. Was a little disappointed that we didn't make it an emphasis to get the ball into Kofi right from the tip, but some of that was your defense and some of that was our guard play. Was shocked that we really made zero adjustments throughout the game to combat your O and D.

I admired the effort that every guy that came onto the court for ya'll played with...it was refreshing. I thought we only had 3 maybe 4 players that matched that intensity and the 3 were underclassmen. Definitely didn't play a full 40 and that's been an issue throughout the year and happened again at the worst time of the year. Ain't going to win a game in the tournament like that especially against a team like Loyola.

Sorry for the essay, but congrats again on the W and hopefully I can hitch a ride on the bandwagon for the rest of the tournament.

The Athletic Department / media crew continue to put out incredible content:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8pmCUAqbnw