Illinois' senior class knows all too well what it is like to miss the NCAA tournament. Two of the last three seasons, the Illini have failed to reach the tournament and last year's NIT bid especially stung because the Illini were on the bubble as one of the best teams not to make the tournament.
After losing to Northwestern 71-70 on Saturday, the Illini (15-8, 5-5 Big Ten) could still make the tournament, however, if they keep piling up the losses -- Saturday was their fifth in their last seven games -- they will be sweating out selection Sunday again.
"I don't think it's too early (to think about the tournament)," senior Bill Cole said. "I don't want to feel the way I felt last year. I wish we had thought about it more last year as a team."
To avoid the NIT, it would help if the Illini could eek one out on the road. They will have another chance Thursday against Minnesota.
What hurt Illinois against Northwestern was sloppy play on offense, but its defense was not as sharp as it has been. The Wildcats shot 48 percent and started the game by sinking 7-or-8 shots. Michael Thompson then came through in the clutch with three 3-pointers in the final minutes.
"When they make 3s, it's tough to guard," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "One, they ran a little clip play where they kind of run into you, it's a running screen like you see in football with wide receivers. The other one is a handoff and you have to get out there and defend it. (Thompson) wanted the ball in his hands and made some plays."
Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/illinis-ncaa-chances-took-hit-with-loss-to-nu.html
Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿