Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Illinois 51 Indiana 43


Well color me surprised. Down early, Illinois kicked up the defense and held the Hoosiers scoreless for nearly the last six minutes of the second half to pull out the game. The 20 free throw attempts to Indiana's 6 didn't hurt either. Granted, Illinois' anemic free throw shooting was present, but the 13 free throws they actually made might have been the difference. Another difference maker was Pruitt, who played on that sore left knee and dumped in 13 points for the Illini. Rich McBride also came up big, hitting big threes back to back in the second half on his way 15 points in the game.

Early it looked like Jamar Smith, finally back in the starting line-up, had found his stroke. He buried his first three point attempt, but missed the remaining four he took. This sophomore slump has been a painful one to watch, because I really wanted Jamar to continue to be successful. That quick release and stroke last year was amazing to watch. The ankle injury continues to be cited for his shooting woes, and I can somewhat understand that reasoning, but he just doesn't have any confidence in his shot this year. Illinois is going to need for that to change down the stretch, they can't score 51 every game and expect to win.

The other story line, aside from the important conference basketball game, started with that cold pre-game "shake" between Weber and Sampson. Personally, I thought it was great. I hope Weber does that to him at Indiana in a few weeks with a joy buzzer.

At least Kelvin still has fans at IU.

Illinois 51 - Indiana 43 (ESPN.com)

Man, those Indiana Kids Start Early (FireCoachSampson.com)

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