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PODCAST

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

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter is a podcast offering a fan’s perspective on Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball.

sports basketball

All Episodes

01:01:34

Raise That Banner! (03/17/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/17

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!

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01:10:36

Terrence Takeover (03/16/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/16

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.

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01:23:22

Dainja-rously Close (03/15/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/16

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.

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48:07

Let's Hang a Banner (03/13/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/13

The regular season is done and the postseason has begun! Mike Carpenter reflects on the 2023-24 season so far, and how this team exceeded preseason expectations and cleansed the palette from last year's disappointments. Also, he discusses Brad Underwood's performance as head coach, and how he has led Illinois basketball into its best stretch in two decades. Finally, a look at the Big Ten Tournament bracket and how the Illini can make it to Sunday's championship.

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01:00:49

Frantastic! (03/10/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/11

Illinois finishes the Big Ten season in style at Carver Hawkeye Arena, beating Fran McCaffery's Iowa Hawkeyes 73-61 behind Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 25 points and Quincy Guerrier's first double-double since January. Mike Carpenter reacts as Brad Underwood's team watches a 20-point lead dwindle to 4, only to close the game out strong. Next up: the winner of Iowa-Minnesota on Friday at the Big Ten Tournament.

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58:34

Tip Your Cap (03/06/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/06

Purdue was too much for Illinois yet again, pulling off an impressive 77-71 win at State Farm Center. Mike Carpenter reacts to the loss and opens up the listener mailbag to see if fans are more or less encouraged heading into the rest of March. With Iowa, the Big Ten Tournament, and March Madness looming, what are reasonable expectations for Brad Underwood's 7th Illini squad?

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01:00:34

Kohl'd Blooded (03/03/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/03/03

Illini basketball becomes the first program to win four games in a row at the Kohl Center, beating Wisconsin 91-83. Mike Carpenter reacts to the huge Quad 1 win, spurred on by Marcus Domask's 31-point performance in his home state. Terrence Shannon Jr. added 23 points, while Coleman Hawkins and Justin Harmon also score in double-digits. Next up: a huge opportunity at home against Purdue.

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49:54

Embrace the Weirdness (02/29/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/02/29

Illinois beats Minnesota 105-97 in a historic offensive performance from both teams. As the defense continues to flounder but the points keep coming, Mike Carpenter embraces the weirdness that is the 2024 Illini. He discusses the remaining three game stretch in the Big Ten, expectations for a possible run in March, and an offense that is even more efficient than the 2005 Final Four team.

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56:33

Hawkins Handles Hawkeyes (02/25/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/02/25

With the help of Coleman Hawkins 30 points, Illinois gets a much-needed bounce-back 95-85 victory against Iowa. Mike Carpenter reacts to the win which included Brad Underwood making a hockey substitution early in the second half. Illinois' defensive intensity improved, and they closed the game out strongly and provided some reasons for optimism. Next up: a pesky Minnesota team comes to the State Farm Center on Wednesday.

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01:24:57

Bad Underwood (02/21/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/02/22

Illinois chokes away another late lead in a 90-89 loss at Penn State as the same issues (bad defense, awful inbounds plays, lack of adjustments) come home to roost in brutal fashion. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react as a 7-point lead with 40 seconds to go evaporates thanks to absolute boneheaded decision-making and execution from veteran players. But, they direct their ire at the main culprit: Brad Underwood, who has excelled at the macro aspects of running a program but struggled mightily

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57:48

Wolverine Wafflestomp (02/13/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/02/14

Illinois bounces back with a 97-68 shellacking of Michigan, as Brad Underwood improves to 8-0 over Juwan Howard. Terrence Shannon Jr. explodes for 31 points, and the Illini team defense shows some signs of life. Mike Carpenter reacts during the second half, while also discussing what this Illinois team needs to do over the next five weeks in order to be tournament ready.

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01:01:51

State of the Program (02/07/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/02/07

Mike Carpenter reflects on the Illini basketball season so far, which has them at 17-5 overall and 8-3 in the Big Ten. He opens up the listener mailbag to see how satisfied fans are with Brad Underwood as Illinois' head coach, and what's been most impressive through seven years at the helm. Finally, he discusses Saturday's big game at Michigan State and why he feels good about the rematch vs. Tom Izzo's squad.

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01:17:19

Husker Phew! (02/04/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/02/05

Illinois survives an overtime scare against Nebraska 86-83. Mike Carpenter reacts during a mostly-good second half until the final 3:28 when Nebraska erased a ten-point lead. Fortunately, Illinois made enough winning plays in OT to improve to 8-3 in the Big Ten and tie Wisconsin for second place. Finally, they get some extended time off before a huge game at Michigan State on Saturday.

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01:00:37

How Terrence Got His Groove Back (01/30/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/31

Illinois starts off a week of two must-win games with an 87-75 win over Ohio State, led by Terrence Shannon's explosive second half and 23 total points. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during an impressive second half as Brad Underwood's Illini showed signs of life on defense and finished at the rim. Marcus Domask added another 23 points, while Ty Rodgers had a 13 and 10 double-double.

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01:07:40

A Win is a Win . . . diana (01/27/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/27

Winning ugly ain't what it's cracked up to be, but it sure beats losing! Illinois fends off a pesky Indiana team 70-62 thanks to Marcus Domask's 16 points, Luke Goode's timely 3's, and a big shot late by Justin Harmon. Mike Carpenter reacts with frustration and ultimately relief. Brad Underwood's team has some things to clean up before a road test on Tuesday at Ohio State.

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01:08:38

Welsh Cryin' (01/24/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/25

Illinois gets pantsed in overtime against Northwestern, taking a big hit in the conference title race and missing an opportunity for a big road win. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react angrily and remember why Northwestern annoys the living hell out of them.

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50:12

Three Dog Knight (01/22/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/22

Jeremiah was a . . . no, not a bullfrog. But, he is the latest top recruit to sign with Brad Underwood's Illini program. Mike Carpenter recaps a huge five-day swing for Illinois basketball: a win at Michigan, Terrence Shannon Jr.'s return, a win vs. Rutgers, and a commitment from 5-star SG Jeremiah Fears. Seven years into his tenure, Brad Underwood has things rolling in the short-and-long term.

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01:13:37

Terrence Shannon Jr. Returns (01/20/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/20

Terrence Shannon Jr. has returned to the Illinois basketball team after his temporary restraining order is granted by a federal judge. Mike Carpenter reacts to the huge news, beginning with a breakdown of Judge Lawless' decision. Then, he discusses the myriad of emotions fans will feel when watching TSJ on the court again. Finally, how will his return impact the Illini team on the court?

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01:07:20

Jawinless (01/18/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/19

Brad Underwood improves to 7-0 over Juwan Howard with an impressive 88-73 Illini win over Michigan. Coleman Hawkins steals the show with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Quincy Guerrier recorded a double-double, and balanced scoring propelled Illinois to a dominant second half. Next up: Rutgers comes to the State Farm Center on Sunday.

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44:16

Turtle Hex (01/15/24)

The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini... ·

2024/01/15

Illinois basketball's struggles against Maryland continued, this time with a 76-67 loss in Champaign. Mike Carpenter reacts to the sloppy performance and discusses whether or not this is just a blip on the radar or something to be concerned about. With a road game at Michigan on Thursday, will Brad Underwood's Illini be able to conjure up the focus and execution that landed them a top-ten ranking?

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