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

How Sweet It Is! (03/25/24)

Illini fans are reveling in their team's first Sweet Sixteen appearance in 19 years ahead of Thursday's marquee matchup against Iowa State. Mike Carpenter discusses Illinois' thrilling run through the month of March, and how this season has provided ultimate validation for Brad Underwood. He opens up the listener mailbag to see how fans are feeling heading into this weekend's games in Boston, and how they think Illinois will fare against the Cyclones and potential Elight Eight opponent.

Duquesne't Touch This (03/23/24)

Illinois is back in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in 19 seasons! Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore react during the second half of the Illini's 89-63 rout of Duquesne. Terrence Shannon Jr. scores 30 along with Marcus Domask's 22 points in a game that was never in doubt. Soak it in, Illini fans! It's been way too long, and it feels so damn good.

Domask It Feels Goode to be a Dainja (03/21/24)

The narrowest of halftime leads turns into an 85-69 Illinois rout of Morehead State. Mike Carpenter, Isaac Ambrose and Kenton Elmore react during the impressive second half. Dain Dainja scores 21 points while Marcus Domask gets an extremely-rare NCAA Tournament triple-double. Meanwhile, Terrence Shannon Jr. adds 26 points. Next up: Duquesne for a trip to the Sweet Sixteen.

Let the Madness Begin! (03/19/24)

It's tournament time! Mike Carpenter reflects on Illinois basketball's thrilling run to a Big Ten Tournament Title before switching gears to March Madness. He discusses this weekend's potential matchups, from the opener against 14-seed Morehead State to a second round tilt against BYU or Duquesne. Taking a dive into the data, Mike explains why he's feeling good about Brad Underwood's Illini making the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005.

Selection Sunday Special (03/17/24)

Illinois grabs a 3 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a first round matchup against Moorehead State. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react to the unveiling of the brackets, which finds the Illini in a tough East region. A potential second round matchup against BYU or Duquense awaits, while UConn and Iowa State hold the 1st and 2nd seeds.

Raise That Banner! (03/17/24)

The Illinois Fighting Illini are Big Ten Tournament Champs! They get a 93-87 win over the Wisconsin Badgers, earning their second BTT banner in four years. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during a thrilling 2nd half. Terrence Shannon Jr's 34 and Marcus Domask's 26 lead the way, as Brad Underwood's squad plays a complete game against a red-hot Wisconsin team. Next up: the NCAA Tournament!

Terrence Takeover (03/16/24)

Illinois turns a 15-point 2nd half deficit into a 98-87 win over Nebraska, securing their place in the Big Ten Tournament Final. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose start off a bit despondent, but thanks to Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 40-point performance and an inspired half from the supporting cast, the Illini mount one of their most impressive halves in some time. Next up: Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon.

Dainja-rously Close (03/15/24)

With the help of Dain Dainja's 18 point, 8 rebound performance and Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 28 points, Illinois survives and advances to the Big Ten Semifinal with a 77-74 win over Ohio State. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during the second half as the Illini fall down by as many as 8. But, with inspired efforts from Dainja, Ty Rodgers, TSJ, and Coleman in the closing stretch help them get a big win and keep the Buckeyes out of the NCAA Tournament.