Heath's Random Thoughts

Well, I am not sure how but they did it but the men's Fighting Illini basketball team managed to survive day one of the Big Ten tournament with a first round upset of the Penn State Nittnany Lions. The Illini have now won 3 of their last 4 games which is a major feat considering how this season has gone so far.

For those of you who haven't been following, the Illini have been putting together their most disappointing season since 1998, which also happens to be the last season that they had a losing record. To say this team has been frustrating to watch this season is an understatement. They have looked less than confident all season and have lacked true floor leadership from any of the players.

But today Illini fans can take solice in the fact that our unbroken streak of first round Big Ten tournament wins is still intact. The Illini managed to build a 10 point lead with 3 minutes to go but pissed it away and were down by 1 point with 30 seconds left on the clock. After a couple of timeouts, the team came out and Calvin Brock missed his shot, but a timely offensive rebound got the ball back for the Illini and with only 7 seconds on the clock, Chester Frazier (of all people) made a reverse layup to put the Illini up by a point. Penn State took a desperation 3 point shot but missed at the buzzer.

Next up is the second seeded Purdue Boilermakers. Illinois has played two close games this season against the Boilermakers and lost both of them. The likelihood they win this game is low, but if they can shoot their free throws like they did today, they may have a chance at another upset. I'm not holding my breath, but I do bleed orange and blue, so go ILLINI!!!!!