Brad Underwood and Illinois beat Michigan Friday night. Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Underwood encouraged Illinois fans to make most of Happy Hour

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/14/22

Brad Underwood knew that he needed the support of Illinois fans ahead of his team’s game against Michigan on Friday night. He also knew that having them a little boozy might help.

Underwood shared his request for Illini fans on Thursday, a day ahead of their game against the Wolverines. He politely asked the fans to enjoy “happy hour” before heading to the game

#Illini Nation: A PSA from Brad Underwood for the Michigan game:

"I think there are some fine establishments that a few people could partake in before and just have fun"

"If they happen to go out for an early dinner and it happens to include happy hour, " pic.twitter.com/nR1hOpIgS3

— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) January 13, 2022

Underwood was careful with the way he worded his request, but it doesn’t take much to figure out what he meant.

It’s hard to know whether the fans made the difference, but Illinois won 68-53. The Fighting Illini are now 13-3 and 8-1 at home this season. They have also won six games in a row. Maybe the pregame Happy Hours are helping the Illini develop a home-court advantage.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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