Illinois hoops reportedly makes decision on potential non-conference game
It looks like Illinois has reached a decision on a potential non-conference game this weekend.
Brad Underwood’s Illini squad last played Tuesday, a strong win over Penn State that moved Illinois to 6-3 in the conference. Unfortunately, Saturday’s regularly scheduled game against Michigan State has been postponed as the Spartans wrestle with COVID-19.
According to Bret Beherns with WCIA3 News, Illinois had been investigating a potential non-conference game to fill the void. Unfortunately, Beherns reported Friday morning that the Illini will not play over the weekend after not finding an opponent.
UPDATE: Illinois basketball will not play this weekend, despite trying to find a game.
After the MSU game was PPD, #Illini HC Brad Underwood said he was “aggressively trying to find a non-con opponent” but couldn’t get a match. Team spokesman says plan is to practice until Iowa
— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) January 22, 2021
Part of the reasoning behind trying to find a game is the fact that Illinois will be idle until next Friday, Jan. 29, when the Illini will face Iowa in Champaign. That will make it 10 days between games for Underwood’s squad.
The break will provide an opportunity for the Illini to rest up a bit, but it also provides the challenge of keeping your team sharp between games. Hopefully Underwood and company show up prepared and ready to roll against the Hawkeyes next Friday.