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They
looked like the team that I hoped they would become way back in the
preseason.
In
a short wire report of the game, you will notice that the Illini were led
by Sergio McClain’s 15 points, followed by Cory Bradford’s 13 and
Robert Archibald’s 12. But if that’s all you know about Illinois’
impressive 92-60 thrashing of the Nittany Lions, then you’ve only missed
the point.
What
is the point, you might say.
Well,
I’m glad you asked. As this reporter saw it…almost total unselfish
basketball!
I
submit as Evidence A for the people that the Illini recorded 22 assists on
31 field goals, which is an astonishing ratio.
As
Evidence B, I would submit the vastly improved play of center Robert
Archibald, who recorded another double-double with his work on the glass.
For
Evidence C you’re going to have to trust me and dig deeper than most
area reporters had time to tell you. Yes, Frank Williams had another
awesome game…seven points, seven assists, four steals and only one
turnover. However, his greatest contribution was the suffocating defense
he played on the Big Ten’s leading scorer, Joe Crispin. In fact, Crispin
was completely shut out and shut down by halftime and finished the day
only 3-of-14 from the field for 13 points (wish people could have limited
me to only 13 a game…I would’ve been happy to be a disappointment in
double figures every night!).
But
in order to see Evidence C more clearly, get out your magnifying glass.
And think, if you will, of Sean Harrington. Sean scored six points and had
a rebound and an assist…not necessarily numbers that would make him a
candidate for the Wooden award. But…as much of a glove as Frankie was on
Crispin, I think Harrington frustrated him even more…coaxing Joe into an
air ball and a couple of shots that were way off the mark. Right before
the half Harrington made a great defensive play and then banged in a long
3-pointer just before the buzzer to send the delirious Illini nation into
pandemonium.
For
Evidence D I would have to display Penn State’s dismal 34 percent field
goal shooting for the game. It’s even worse when you consider that the
Lions’ starters were a woeful 9-for-43 for 21 percent.
For
Evidence E I would direct your attention to the Illinois bench. Bench
contributions were not limited to their 35 points and 17 rebounds; they
brought energy and fed the fire of momentum.
For my
closing argument, on top of all these other reasons, I have to tell you
that Illinois shot a season-best 60 percent from the field on 31-of-52
shooting. Good shooting covers a multitude of sins…I think that’s in
the Bible somewhere. The Illini’s stifling, tenacious defense never let
the Lions out of their den…Case closed!
Illini notes
Cory
Bradford extended his NCAA-record streak to 83 games with at least one
3-pointer. He also passed former Illini great Nick Anderson and moved into
21st place on Illinois’ all-time scoring list with 1,175
points for his career.
Lincoln’s
Brian Cook continued his inspired play of late by getting into double
figures again with 10 points and three rebounds. He also is among the
league leaders in blocked shots. Staying out of foul trouble will key his
and the Illini’s effectiveness over the next few games.
Illinois’
sellout crowds are making their presence felt. Personally, I’ve been
going to games at the Assembly Hall since 1975, and I’m FINALLY starting
to feel like we might be getting closer to having a home-court advantage.
In my limited opinion, there is nothing better than game day…period!
We
were told that the officials received a mandate from the NCAA home office
to clean up the game this season. I may have missed it…but, was the Big
Ten exempt from that ruling? I probably should be careful, since the LDN
has nationwide connections and I might get fined like Mark Cuban of the
Dallas Mavs, but I’m sorry, I just don’t see it. The game desperately
needs to be cleaned up, especially in the paint, but call me skeptical…or
better yet, call me when it actually happens!
The
Illini schedule takes another turn toward the difficult with the next two
games on the road. Illinois is at Michigan on Jan. 25 and at Penn State on
Jan. 31. A split would put us in pretty good shape, but of course we’re
pulling for a rare road sweep. The Illini don’t return to the Hall until
Feb. 3.
Brian
Cook made a triumphant return to Roy S. Anderson gym to help encourage the
Railers in their exciting victory over Lockport. Cook had to share the
spotlight with some kid named Payne.
[Jeff
Mayfield]
[to top of second column in
this article]
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