Survival 101: Illini survive Hawks

By Greg Taylor         

[JAN. 21, 2005]  Illinois struggled most of the night on Thursday at Champaign against No. 24 Iowa and needed overtime to beat the Hawkeyes 73-68. The win moves the Illini to 5-0 in the Big Ten, their best conference start in over 30 years. The Illini are also 19-0 on the year, which is the best start to a season in the history of Illinois basketball. Illinois will retain its No. 1 ranking for an unprecedented eighth straight week on Monday and will prepare for the team's biggest regular-season game to date -- the game at Wisconsin on Tuesday night. Wisconsin holds the nation's longest home-court winning streak at 38, and the Illini have had this date circled since November after losing by 20 to the Badgers at Madison last season.

Illinois' James Augustine buries one of his big throws that helped ensure a 73-68 Illini victory over Iowa in overtime.

But, back to Thursday's game. Illinois was very lucky to survive on a night when four of five starters had sub-par offense games. Only senior Luther Head, the reigning Big Ten Conference Player of the Week, excelled on the offensive end, scoring 25 points and making several great plays down the stretch. As a team, the Illini made just six of 28 3-point baskets and shot a season-low 32 percent from the field. They did control Iowa on the boards, 43-35, and made their hay at the free-throw line, scoring 17 more points from the stripe. But, bottom line -- Illinois was fortunate to survive.

Illini players position themselves for the frenetic pace and action as they outscore Iowa 8-3 in overtime to seal another big win.

Many in Illini Nation are this morning deeply concerned about this performance. While there will be no cartwheels at the LDN over Thursday's game, we do see several positives the Orange Invasion can take from this overtime win:

1. Illinois played their worst game of the year -- and won anyway.

Most teams don't have this happen -- they play a really bad game and they lose. Illinois will spend much time in the next two days looking at tape, and they should have a focus you would normally have after a loss. Coach Weber should have the team's undivided attention.

2. Illinois will be forced to work on their interior offense.

The boys in orange have won so many games on the strength of great outside shooting that many have overlooked a potential problem -- Illinois' post offense. Thursday's game will remind everyone the need for strong post play from Augustine, Powell and Ingram. Don't be surprised to see Illinois break out the almost always successful "high-low" offense made famous by a certain former coach living in the Land of Oz.

3. Illinois should know they are not unbeatable.

First, you get the No. 1 ranking. Then, you are off to the best start in team history. Then, USA Today runs a front page feature on your team. Before long, you might start believing all your press. Thursday's game should reinforce the Illini's need to bring hunger and humility to every game -- and those are not my words; those come from the Rev -- Roger Powell Jr.

4. Iowa played their best game of the season.

The Hawks were ready to go -- you have to give them credit. When Iowa plays their best game to date and Illinois plays their worst and the Illini still win -- that is a beautiful thing!

5. Talk of NBA early entries should stop right now.

I love Deron Williams with all my heart, but please -- stop right now talking about the NBA next season. Enough! Deron will play on the next level -- along with Dee and others. But Thursday exposed how Deron and other underclassmen need to forget about the next level -- for now.

6. Illinois should be ready to explode in their next game!

The Illini almost always bounce back after bad efforts. This should be bad news for Bucky Badger and crew. Mark it down -- you heard it here first: Illinois will win at Wisky on Tuesday -- and I'm not sure it will even be close. I say Illinois wins by eight to 12 points.

For those of you who are on the ledge, let me help you out with the following reminders: First, Illinois is still the undefeated, No. 1 team in the land. Second, the Illini still have great players and one of the best coaches around. Finally, you are witnessing a season I can only describe as really special. And I think the best is still yet to come.

[Greg Taylor; photos by Tom Seggelke]

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