|
Illinois' magical mystery tour continues
Illini badger Bucky 70-59
Send a link to a friend
By Jeff Mayfield
[FEB. 14, 2005]
The Illinois Fighting Illini appear to have no
letup in sight. After a rough-and-tumble first half Saturday, the
Illini came flying out of the gate for the second half. First it was
Deron Williams, then it was Dee Brown from downtown. But leave it to
my MVP pick for this year's squad, Luther Head, to come up BIG both
halves!
|
|
Luther was huge, and it wasn't just his
25 points that told you that. He was ubiquitous! And not only that.
I think he also pulled down eight rebounds, had four assists and may
have even helped CBS broadcast the game!
The amazing thing about Luther is just
to reflect on how far he has come. In his early days in an Illini
uniform he was a high-wire act. Through his first two years his
teammates would just throw the ball near the hoop and he would slam
it down. He can still do that, but he's also nailing 3's at an
amazing clip, has become a better passer and has developed a killer
running jumper. Not bad for a kid who was almost kicked off the
team.
At any rate, the Illini move to an
unbelievable 25-0 and 11-0. The 25-game winning streak, I believe,
ties their all-time record set in 1914-1916 (I think). Michigan
State is only two games behind the Illini, so they're looming
dangerous. Now that Wisconsin is four games behind Illinois, I would
think they are out of the race. Illinois hits the road this week
with games at Penn State and at Iowa.
[to top of second column in
this article]
 |
 ISU
has heartbreaking week
A tough loss to Wichita State and
then a barn-burning loss against Northern Iowa have dropped the
collective heart of Redbird fans everywhere.
Gregg Alexander continues to burn
the nets, as he had 10 points and continues his climb on the
all-time ISU 3-point chart. Currently Alexander is solidly in second
place and is a threat to become the all-time leader.
[Jeff Mayfield]
 |
