Brad Underwood discusses Illinois' matchup vs. 13-seed Chattanooga
Illinois received its fate to begin the NCAA Tournament Sunday, landing as a 4-seed in the South Regino of the bracket.
Despite a loss to Indiana in the B1G Tournament, the Illini landed a solid slot to begin March Madness. They will face 13-seed Chattanooga out of the Southern Conference.
The Mocs will bring to the matchup a 20-points per game scorer in Malachi Smith and 27 wins. Chattanooga also shoots the ball at a 35% clip from 3-point range as a team.
After the announcement, head coach Brad Underwood discussed Illinois’ seeding and matchup to open the tournament. Underwood also talked about needing to enjoy the moment and already starting to prepare to face Chattanooga.
#illini Brad Underwood: I think one of the great things about participating in the NCAA Tournament is participating and hearing your name actually called.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) March 13, 2022
#illini Underwood: We had a pretty good idea we were going to be locked in the 3-4 (seed) era.
It’s a great day. You’re one of 68. We’re a 4 seed and we got a great opponent who’s won a lot of games.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 13, 2022
“We got to enjoy the moment.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 13, 2022
#illini Underwood on Kofi Cockburn: “You can make yourself legendary in March. …That’s stuff he takes pride in.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 13, 2022
#illini Brad Underwood: We were down to three teams to prep for. Chattanooga was one of them.
Illinois has been preparing for this.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) March 13, 2022
#illini Brad Underwood: I feel better about our basketball team right now than I’ve felt in a long time.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) March 13, 2022
#illini Underwood said Curbelo had an uncharacteristic day missing layups against Indiana but that his ability to get to the paint at will, rebound and push in transition makes his team much better. Underwood has raved about his defense too.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 13, 2022
#illini Brad Underwood on rumored job openings: “I love Illinois. We got the best fans. I got the best boss.” Winning championships here.
Can’t control what people say and think.
“I’m not worried about that.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 13, 2022
