Mark Grote

I watched this game with my parents, and my mom even noticed.

She was like, boy, Eugene was like, boy, you are just – because I'm pumping my fist.

It's like, you don't really get into these games as much.

I was down for it, but watching it that way was painful.

It was painful to see Keaton Wagler go two for seven from three.

They were – Illinois was three of 17 from three in that game, and they just –

It was painful until they finally pulled away late with that 8-0 run, and then I finally was able to take a few deep breaths.

Maybe this is why I don't watch college basketball emotionally, because I'm very emotional about it.

I, too, as a public school girl going to North Texas where we don't put on airs and such, and I went to a public high school as well, I...

I don't know why the lead public institution of the state has the stepchild complex at times, but I'm into it because I get it.

I support Illinois, period.

And so I identify with the Illini and the fan base.

I can tell you do.

So I also have often been... I've often been...

Only to be disappointed by random games.

You guys know what I'm talking about.

Not just on the football side, but the basketball side as well.

And watching them shoot.

Those absolute clunkers.

Where at one point, I feel like in the first half, they were zoning themselves.