Keepin’ It Orange & Blue

To beat Houston on Thursday, #illini will need all hands on deck. They will have to keep the intensity as they had in Greenville. #illini cannot get out-hustled!

Hot take: Stojakovic should be starting. And late in games? Give him the keys. Illinois needs a closer — and he looks like the guy. #illini #illinibasketball #illinination

March Madness is here, and Ryan goes solo on KIOB EP 185 to break down Illinois basketball’s NCAA Tournament path. In this episode, Ryan previews Illinois vs Penn, looks at the potential second-round matchup, and explains why the road to the Sweet 16 is there for the Illini. He also keeps it real about the concerns surrounding this team: late-game execution, rebounding, confidence, closing out tight games, and whether Illinois can flip the switch when it matters most. Ryan discusses: Illinois vs Penn matchup breakdown Why the Illini should handle business in the first round Possible matchup with North Carolina or VCU Why Andrej Stojakovic could be the closer Illinois needs Concerns about confidence, toughness, and finishing games Why Ryan sees Illinois reaching the Sweet 16 Whether this team has enough to challenge Houston Can Illinois make a run, or will the same issues show up again in March? Ryan gives his honest prediction and lays out exactly what has to change for Illinois basketball to survive and advance. Subscribe to 200 Columns for more Illinois basketball, Illini basketball, March Madness, and NCAA Tournament coverage. #illini #IllinoisBasketball #MarchMadness #NCAATournament #Illini #BigTen #B1G #200Columns