WSU Versus Illinois State Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[shocker43]

MM and LS keep up their good offensive play, Willis gets back on track, Shockers run away in the last five minutes.
Shox - 83
Redbirds - 71

[Dave Stalwart]

I really hope WSU wins this game so I can start rooting against the top 25 like in other seasons. Up until now, it hasn't been close enough to bother. We win Saturday and we will be back to feeling a little more relevant nationally.

[1972Shocker]

For me this game is about as much of a toss up as one can get. The Shocks have struggled against the better defensive teams on their schedule. The points won't come quite so easily against the Redbirds. I hope the Shocks can bring a good, balanced attack offensively and they really need to value each possession. Stay under control as much as possible.

How we handle Lee, McIntosh and Hawkins will go a long way in determining the outcome of this game. I think we can match up pretty well defensively with McIntosh and Hawkins with Markis and Zach with a little help from Rashard off the bench but ours guys will need to stay out of foul trouble. Lee could be a problem but at 6-0 we at least don't give up any size with Daishon and Conner. Landry might get his shot at guarding Lee as well and his size could be an advantage if he can stay in front of him. Hard to say whether the Shocks will zone much this game or not.

Both teams shoot the 3-ball about the same. Both take around 22 3-points attempts per game, both take about 38% of their shots from 3 point range. Illinois State shoots 37.6% as a team. The Shocks shoot 38.5% as a team.

The Shocks have shot free throws better this year at 72.7% comapred to 66.5% for the Redbirds plus the Shocks average about 5 more free throw attempts per game although the Shocks did shoot poorly from the line agaisnt Loyola (57% until Markis and Zach hit 6-6 at the end of the game to raise that to 65%).

The Shocks are outrebounding their opponents by 9 per game while the Redbirds have a 2.5 rebound per game margin. Again, the Shocks did not show that against Loyola.

It is worth noting the the Redbirds SOS is rated significantly better than the Shocks (78 vs 227 per WarrenNolan.com).

The Redbirds, of course, have the home court advantage and they have an advantage in experience as well with 3 Seniors and 2 Juniors among their top 7 players. The Shocks do appear to be deeper but not sure how much difference that will make in a high adrenaline game like this.

Perhaps the game will be determined by an X-Factor. A player or two not named Lee, McIntosh or Hawkins for Illinois State or McDuffie, Shamet or Willis for the Shockers will step to the fore and make the difference.

Should be a good one.

[Shocker Mama]

I remember last year, when the Redbirds were playing here. They decided to huddle up on the court, and formed their huddle with McDuffie in the middle. Then they realized he was there, and did a bit of shoving. Until Rashard and Anton made it their business to look after him.

[WuDrWu]

https://twitter.com/RedbirdHDTV/stat...84746954387456

[WuDrWu]

Hello Shocker Friends

That time again. Congrats on another 5-0 start to Valley play. You guys truly do re-load and never rebuild. Nobody is recruiting on your level in the Valley and likely nobody ever will. I am an idiot. I really thought you'd slide back a little bit losing Baker and FVV and you guys still look awesome to me.

I am looking forward to a very good, physical and well played game on Saturday. Happily........I am making the drive from Joliet (nice ref earlier this thread to my beloved J-Town also :)) and hopefully will witness a Redbird W. There really is no reason for any of your players, coaches or fans to show the Birds any respect. We haven't earned it and this fan fully understands and appeciates that. There is no reason for any of you to think of us in any way other than a small obstacle on your way to another Valley title. I am hoping we might be able to earn some respect with a well played game and a win on Saturday.

I think we match up pretty well but we aren't as deep as you are. Our defense has been very good (primarily man but occasional zone) and the only thing I will dispute is a previous poster who said we aren't long and athletic. That is exactly what we are and that is why we have a chance. We are long, we are athletic and we do defend.

For my money, Paris Lee is the Valley MVP if the season eneded today. He will need to play like it on Saturday for the Birds to win.

Shox have the advantage in coaching, depth, big game experience. Athletically I think we are on par but the difference is the Shox have more of those elite athletes. I don't know if we'll win but I at least don't feel like it's an automatic loss like in years past. But..........you guys have every right to feel that it will be an easy W for you guys. Like I said---we haven't given you any reason to feel otherwise.

Should be a great game. I'd like to see us finally beat you guys again before you leave for greener pastures. I just hope that no matter what happens both fan bases can keep it above board and respectable. I would love to see this rivalry get re-ignited with hard fought, clean basketball. Only way that happens is if we start to compete and actually beat you guys some. Hopefully the bad blood from the recent past stays in the past.

safe travels to anyone heading to Normal and good luck---even though you don't need it. :)

GORL

Always a highlight of the season to hear from GORL.

There might even be a Rick Lamb sighting in the video I linked earlier made for this weekend.

One of many advantages the previous 4 years + WSU teams had over every Valley opponent was the ability to hand the ball to a PG and have them make a play at the end of a shot clock/game.

We were pretty good in close games down the stretch.

There is little question that advantage belongs to PLee right now. ISU can match WSU's athleticism, at least in the first 6 or 7.

They won't be bothered by WSU's size. I agree that WSU has a big coaching advantage. I do wonder about the return of CJ and that will affect the mood, if at all.

If the Vegas line were really about who they thought would win, I suspect it would be a pick 'em or -1 -1 game. But WSU has covered so often over the last 4 seasons that they've seen unreal lines the last 2 years, ESPECIALLY this season.

WSU has been favored in EVERY game. EVERY game. Even against Louisville and Michigan State. Let that sink in.

WSU is a great road team. They thrive on it. But Saturday will be a little different and a first for several key players.

This is a huge game for both teams, but more so ISU. ISU has more confidence, I believe, and deservedly so. I'm not downplaying the Shocks at all.

I believe ISU is a really good team. And the better defensive team. This is a toss up if ever I've seen one. Someone will make a play that decides the game.

More often than not, that player wears white. I hope it's a great game, the players and coaches respect each other and the players decide the outcome.

And I hope WSU comes out on top. If WSU takes care of the ball, Willis doesn't play like it's juco ball, and Shaq brings his A game, I like WSU's chances.

Good luck to all.

[ShockerFever]

https://twitter.com/RedbirdHDTV/stat...84746954387456

Definitely NOT a Super Bowl. I assume they did a similar video before the Evansville game too?


Don't you need to be competitive for it to be a rivalry? Before last year's game, the last time Illinois State beat WSU in the regular season was in the 2009-10 season. I mean, that's embarrassing.

[AZ Shocker]

I absolutely don't think St. Elgin commands more power than a nationally televised ESPN 2 game on a Saturday. This is an even-steven match up on the road. I anticipate the refs will allow a "free for all" for entertainment value due to past meetings and story lines. Great thing btw!!!

We play our patented tough defense and HIT our shots...with the depth we have...we win. Refs screw with that (which they will on a road game especially in the first half) then obviously we're 5 against 8 and will be in an Elgin dog-fight the rest of the way. We HAVE to be up 7-8 the last 10 minutes of the game to overpower ISUr last attempts.

Elgin tries. ESPN hears him and thinks about it for a while cause it fits their narrative and business plan...but if the game is lost by a powerful SHOCKER 2nd half and the game gets away....ESPN says screw it and props up this years Shockers claiming we ARE an NCAA Tourney team no matter what happens in Lewis as long as we win the Valley.

Disclaimer - ESPN (and the networks) like Wichita St. (a lot)...but wouldn't mind if we missed this year and had to re-PROVE next year with a more "seasoned" team. That's an easy cop out excuse to make room for another crap P-5. That would meet their par and commentary and satisfy P-5 .500 teams worthiness of an at-large.

So what will it be.....

Fair officiated game...
SHOCKS - 78
Birds - 71

Elgin Influenced in pursuit of 2 Tourney teams...
SHOCKS - 68
Birds - 75

[WheatShock]

Just a couple of my favorite recent memories of playing ISUr.

[Shocker Mama]

Just a couple of my favorite recent memories of playing ISUr.

I always wonder why their guy is hugging Lufile.

[BOBB]

https://twitter.com/RedbirdHDTV/stat...84746954387456

No Tekele? Pssssh, please.

[BOBB]

Just a couple of my favorite recent memories of playing ISUr.

Better

[wusphlash]

I'm hoping they leave Wichita a little earlier than normal to avoid the weather and have a safe return Saturday night. I hate ice.

[RoyalShock]

I always wonder why their guy is hugging Lufile.

The poor kid knew what was about to happen and needed comforting.

[RoyalShock]

I'm hoping they leave Wichita a little earlier for Normal to avoid the weather and have a safe return Saturday night. I hate ice.

FIFY