Friday, March 09, 2007
Wecome to the BIG SHOW ILLINOIS
We had to beat Indiana tonight - and did. Xavier, Nevada, and Kansas State didn't do Illinois any favors today. We had to make our own noice - and did. This was a classic BIG-10 showdown between border states. Let me put it politely, we hate them and they hate us. It's just about perfect. This war goes way back. Pruitt and Carter led the ILLNI tonight inside the United Center where both are undefeated wearing the orange and blue for the Chief. Combined, they scored most of our points, but it was their defense which led the way to victory. You've been hearing about this here for months, defense wins championships. Who play's better 'D' in the land than ILLINOIS - quick? During conference play, we've been holding opposition below 45% and 60 points on a regular basis in giving up just 57 points / game.
At 31-6 all-time in the house that Jordan built (United Center), we're getting ready to extend our 18-game winning streak tomorrow afternoon against a hungry and talented Wisconsin squad. The last time we lost inside the UC was pre September 11th, 2001. But, at 11-7 in BIG-10 play including two big wins in the conference tourney this year (23-10 overall), we're inside the big dance and off the bubble at this point. Who knows where this train will stop this year? It's been a crazy season in CBB this year with no clear-cut favorite. Bring on selection Sunday and the first-round games. I'm ready.
