From the tenor of their post-game victory dinner at St. Elmo’s last night, the Illinois basketball team possesses quiet confidence. Seated from the proximity of table 31, between dissecting a dry-aged porterhouse and a bottle of Mauritson, Hoopraker caught the cohesive team of young men quietly rejoicing back-to-back wins for the first time since December.
The Other Side of Close
A motivated Illinois team (14-18) took the Conseco Fieldhouse court yesterday afternoon. The Illini had a spring in the legs and a sense of confidence in their demeanor. From the tip, Weber’s motion offense moved in sync, creating open looks. There’s no question, when Illinois runs its sets, makes crisp passes, strong cuts and screens, their offense is a pleasure to watch and a bear to defend.
Chief among the conundrums they’ve encountered this season is the ability to stay within the offense and make the numerous open shots it creates. In the first half, led by Brian Randle and Trent Meacham, the Illini did and they looked nothing like a bottom of the conference team.
To the credit of Penn State, the Lions also stayed within themselves. They switched defenses, stayed in their offense and battled. The toll of a season of close losses, including three in overtime, is never far from their mind and the burden is palpable. But in Conseco, pushed by Randle and the leadership of emerging point guard Demtri McCamey, Illini refused to wilt and as a result, they ran off the court with a poetic last second win on a beautiful pass from Meacham to Chester Frazier.
Zebras on Cialis Redux
In the win, an assertive Brian Randle scored 17 points, made free throws, played his customary great defense. Simply put, he catalyzed the Illini. Randle’s career has been checkered with injuries that have robbed him the opportunity to fulfill the considerable talent of his game. Another hurdle for Randle, and one out of his control, is the burden of being refereed by officials who can’t grasp his defensive abilities.
Although a fifth year senior, Randle receives less respect from Rich Falk’s crew of zebras than IU’s Eric Gordon or, for that matter, Minnesota’s Al Nolen. Invariably are out of position, the referees are apparently unable to comprehend how a player can play such defense so well. As a result, they throw up their hands and blow their whistles. There is no other rationale explanation for the phantom calls Randle endures game in and game out.
Three in a Row
At the end of his steak dinner and as his team respectfully filed out of the dining room, Bruce Weber casually called out to his assistant Jerrance Howard to meet him back in the hotel to go over film of Purdue. The Boilermakers await the Illini tonight in Conseco and present a considerable challenge. Still, the Illini have the ability to compete and beat Purdue. The question is whether they have the confidence.
Youth Served
Despite their son not playing on account of a season ending knee injury, Geary Claxton’s parents, fixtures at Penn State games, nevertheless made the trip from Connecticut. They nearly witnessed a remarkable win. While the Illini ultimately prevailed, earning the win, the effort of Penn State (15-16) and the coaching Ed DeChellis cannot be overlooked or underestimated.
With Claxton hurt and Jamelle Cornley on crutches, DeChellis started four freshmen and a junior college transfer. Led by ultra-quick and confident freshman point guard Talor Battle, the future is bright for the Lions. Cornely returns for his senior season and a more experienced group of long and athletic freshmen, who refused to quit against Illinois, and in the process showed a great feel and respect for the game.
Sparty Needs A Groove
This afternoon’s most intriguing match up pits a resurgent Ohio State team desperately in need of another win against the talented yet enigmatic Spartans. Last weekend in the regrettably named Value City Arena, Ohio State beat the Spartans 63-54 when Michigan State succumbed to a late surge of pressure defense en route to squandering a 10 point second half lead.
In a quick turnaround, the rematch carries enormous significance to the immediate futures of both teams. Michigan State must win in order to restore much-needed confidence or risk becoming footnote, at best, to a season that commenced with great promise. The formula for Michigan State is old news: Drew Neitzel, Raymar Morgan and Goran Suton to show up and play well and they need to take care of the ball.
Ohio State Needs a W
For Ohio State, they must win if they hope to play their way into the NCAA Tournament. As it was in Buckeyes’ first meeting with the Spartans in East Lansing, the Buckeyes continue to place their fortunes on the shrugged shoulders of senior Jamar Butler. While freshman Evan Turner has emerged as the only consistent and dynamic compliment to Butler in Ohio State’s mini-late season run, Butler is Ohio State’s engine.
They should expect the Spartans to respond to last weekend’s loss much as the Spartans did against IU; Izzo will have his team ready. The question, as it‘s been for much of its season, is whether Ohio State will play with passion commensurate to their talent. As Penn State showed yesterday, youth is no excuse.
