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

Don't let the lame pun title fool you - there's a lot to cover in this episode! Mike Carpenter looks ahead to a big game against Wisconsin, a possible postponement against Michigan, and how the Illini will fare with the rest of their conference schedule. Also, Miles Smith continues his climb up the coaching ranks while Illinois womens' basketball continues to struggle.

Don't let the lame pun title fool you - there's a lot to cover in this episode! Mike Carpenter looks ahead to a big game against Wisconsin, a possible postponement against Michigan, and how the Illini will fare with the rest of their conference schedule. Also, Miles Smith continues his climb up the coaching ranks while Illinois womens' basketball continues to struggle.

165 minutes. 54 fouls. Too many official reviews to count. Oh, and Ayo fouled out. And yet, when the dust settled, the Illini pulled off perhaps the gutsiest win of the season at Indiana to stay in the Big Ten title race. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese, and Isaac Ambrose react during the seemingly never-ending second half and overtime as Illinois improves to 8-3 in conference play.

165 minutes. 54 fouls. Too many official reviews to count. Oh, and Ayo fouled out. And yet, when the dust settled, the Illini pulled off perhaps the gutsiest win of the season at Indiana to stay in the Big Ten title race. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese, and Isaac Ambrose react during the seemingly never-ending second half and overtime as Illinois improves to 8-3 in conference play.

After Friday's thrilling win against Iowa, has Illinois basketball turned the corner? Mike Carpenter discusses why he's feeling optimistic for the stretch run of the Big Ten season, and why this version of the Illini gives it the best chance to raise some banners.

After Friday's thrilling win against Iowa, has Illinois basketball turned the corner? Mike Carpenter discusses why he's feeling optimistic for the stretch run of the Big Ten season, and why this version of the Illini gives it the best chance to raise some banners.

The Illini got their signature win with a thrilling 80-75 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during a back-and-forth second half as Illinois improves to a 7-3 record and 2nd place in the Big Ten.

The Illini got their signature win with a thrilling 80-75 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Mike Carpenter, Trevor Vallese and Isaac Ambrose react during a back-and-forth second half as Illinois improves to a 7-3 record and 2nd place in the Big Ten.

It's the biggest game of the year to kick off a crucial 4-game stretch for Illini basketball. Mike Carpenter previews the Illinois-Iowa game and how its result may have a huge impact on the rest of the season.

It's the biggest game of the year to kick off a crucial 4-game stretch for Illini basketball. Mike Carpenter previews the Illinois-Iowa game and how its result may have a huge impact on the rest of the season.