Doug is out due to a medical event. Tonight the Illini take on Xavier at 8:45 pm central time. Illini are a 3 1/2 point favorite to start.

So, I'm up here in Milwaukee and I have a medical emergency.

As some of you may know, I had a heart attack in 2010. I have four stents in my heart.

I'm having symptoms that will take me to the ER and I will miss the game tonight.

I would appreciate it if someone can start a game thread.

No idea yet when I will make it back to my hotel or if I will be able to cover Sunday's game if Illinois wins tonight.

Doug B.

Anyone here into knitting?

Lucas Byrd wrestles for 133 title tomorrow against Iowa's Drake Ayala. Go Illini!

I'm starting to hear some buzz on how roster construction for next season is going to go.

I will start out by listing players with eligibility in order by who is most likely to return.

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Ivisic should dominate this game. Xavier has 1 guy bigger than 6'9", and he's very limited. Ivisic can take him outside. Everyone else, he can shoot over the top, or score down low. They should feed him early and often.

A little less usage from KJ wouldn't hurt either. Let Boswell and Riley take some of the ball handling off his plate, and get him the ball in spots where he can be dangerous. Don't make him do too much, because he can get careless with TOs. Can't have those this time of year. Treat him like the star that he is, and create opportunities for him. But don't make him bring the ball up and create for 35 minutes.

Dain Dainja is out of the tournament.

Memphis falls, North Carolina getting curb stomped...

First 4 minutes, Maryland looks terrible, 2 points, 4 turnovers. Why couldn't Illinois get that Maryland performance?

Longhorns lead 21-13. 12:00 1H

Purdue brought their own refs - lots of fouls - no calls

Love It!!!

Illinois was teetering between a 6 or 7 seed before the loss to Maryland, so my guess is it will be a 7-seed.

Illinois is #17 in the NET as of today.

Brad Underwood is holding a press conference after the brackets are revealed and we also get to talk to some players.

Love it!!!