BIRDS @ CATS

[Rollbird5]

And the goal tend they didn't call. Kentucky hits the rim while the ball is there. Refs aren't allowing this to be close

Brutal game by the refs, not like Kentucky would need it too lol Refs must've had Kentucky -20.5

[Rollbird5]

Redbirds down 9 less than 4 min left

[hot nuts]

Refs aren't the problem here, ISU can't score against height.. Birds didn't embarrass themselves...not a bad game.

[Rollbird5]

Refs aren't the problem here, ISU can't score against height.. Birds didn't embarrass themselves...not a bad game.

yes, but 46-10 free throw differential doesn't exactly help.. at least we made 80% of our free throws we did have and we might have found a team worse than us at shooting free throws!

[Redhawk]

The Redbirds played with better intensity last night but still struggled with the same issues...sloppy turnovers and inability to finish at the rim. It is also very apparent that they really miss Reggie Lynch as a rim protector which leads to a lot of uncontested layups and/or free throws for the opponent.

I actually think Muller does a good job of in game coaching but losing a starter to the Big10 every year for the past three seasons has kept the team from rising from good to great. The young talent looks promising with McIntosh & Griffin playing well against Kentucky and the flashes of potential from Ndiaye. With Lee & hopefully Hawkins back next year if Muller can bring in a great shooting JUCO guard this team might finally get to the level that's long overdue.

There is still a long way to go this season and obviously ILS really needs to improve in a lot of ways if they are going to end up 4th in the MVC as predicted.

[musiccitybulldog]

What I've seen of Illinois State so far, their fast aggressive style of play(especially in early game situations) could cause a lot of heartburn for Valley teams. I have to agree with Rollbird on the officiating in the Kentucky game.

[Cdizzle]

Also, ISUr fouls a lot. Their on-ball D is shaky, they gamble (and sometimes is pays off) and they have no rim protector so help often fouls a driver.

Not sure it was extremely even officiating, but it probably isn't going to be at Rupp. And 8 games in, the numbers say ISUr fouls a lot.

[Redbird Recon]

'Birds are just good enough to ruin a bubble team's resume with a bad loss.

[hot nuts]

The MVC doesn't seem glutted with bubble teams. Maybe the bubble to avoid Thursday in St. Louis.

[ACECARD]

Ill. St, is going to give some teams heartburn in the Valley this season.