The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast

Moments after the Illini wrapped up the Big Ten Tournament Championship, the Selection Show was underway. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during the unveiling of the 68-team field, and discussed which teams in Illinois' bracket pose the biggest challenges to a Final Four appearance.

The Illini got their banner in a thrilling (and at times, excruciating) 91-88 overtime win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament Final. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during the back-and-forth affair in which Illinois somehow, someway got the hard-fought victory against the Buckeyes on Championship Sunday.

The Illini advance to the Big Ten Tournament Finals with a thrilling 82-71 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kofi ate, Ayo was Ayo, and Curbelo dunked (twice!) as they won their third straight against their heated rival. Mike Carpenter and Trevor Vallese react during an exciting second half.

The Illini make an impressive debut in the Big Ten Tournament with a 90-68 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Ayo Dosunmu led the way with 23 points, while the supporting cast shined in the blowout. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during a nutty second half.

Mike Carpenter turns the page from Big Ten regular-season title talk to the conference tournament . . .  but not before settling some scores! He discusses Josh Whitman's letter, Kevin Warren's incompetence, and Michigan writers and fan's numbskullery. Finally, he gives his reasons for optimism as Illini basketball heads into the stretch run.

Eight days, three massive wins. Mike Carpenter reflects on the week that was for the Illini, capped off by a 1-seed clincher in Columbus. Later, he catches up with Sean Harrington about this Illinois team heading into the Big Ten Tournament.

Four years into his tenure, Brad Underwood's Illini secure a 1-seed with a monster win at Ohio State. Mike Carpenter and Trevor Vallese react to an up-and-down second half, featuring late-game heroics from a masked Ayo and a superstar turn from Andre Curbelo. (Oh, and Isaac Ambrose pops in for a quick "LET'S GOOOOOO!") 

It's the day after a monumental Illini basketball win, and Mike Carpenter is still struggling to comprehend what just happened. He discusses the impressive performance, Trent Frazier's big moment, Underwood mentioning "national title", and yes - how sweet it is to kick Michigan's butt.