Illini's Slump Raises NCAA Tournament Concerns

0:00On March 3rd, the Illinois fighting Eleni started the season strong at 20 wins and 3 losses, looking like a top contender for the Big Ten. Title. But they've hit a rough patch, dropping four of their last six games, including a tough 84-70 loss at home to Michigan on Friday. Night. That defeat handed the Wolverines the outright conference championship, and exposed some real weaknesses for Illinois. Earlier this week, the Eleni's seemed poised to challenge anyone, but now concerns are mounting just weeks before the NCAA tournament. They've already suffered double-digit losses to powerhouses like Yukon and Michigan. Two of the projected number one seeds alongside Duke and Arizona. To reach their first final four since 2005, they'll need to be teams at that level. Coach Brad Underwood stressed the knee for more leadership, nastiness, and toughness after the Michigan game. The Eleni dominated the boards early on, ranking third nationally in offensive rebounding, but they've slipped, going just one in four, win, out rebounded this season.

1:02Recent foes like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan State all grab double-digit offensive boards and victories over them. Defensively, things have cooled off too, especially since early February, where their efficiency ranks 57th nationally. It all starts with Senior Garc Island Boswell, who's taken on tough assignments guarding top scores. Getting back to that gritty defensive mindset from earlier wins will be key for the Big 10 NCAA tournaments. Transfer god, Andrew Stogecovich has been inconsistent, scoring 20 plus in some games, but struggling lately, including 0 points against Michigan. With over two weeks to tweak lineups and getting rolling early, the Eleni can sharpen these edges and make a deep march run. Run