It's all Brandon Paul as Illinois wins at the buzzer

By Greg Taylor

[March 15, 2013]  CHICAGO -- Playing in the 8/9 game of Big Ten conference tournament, the Illini found themselves in a less-than-ideal situation. First, a team that started the season 13-0 and was ranked in the top 10 in December was now in danger of losing the first game of the conference tournament. Second, Illinois was in danger of losing three straight games heading into Selection Sunday. Finally, for the Illinois senior class, a loss to Minnesota would conclude their four-year run in the conference tourney at a less-than-stellar 1-4.

Thankfully for Illinois, Brandon Paul decided to play one the best games of his career, scoring 25 points and hitting a buzzer-beater to knock off Minnesota 51-49. In a game dominated by Illinois during the first half, the Illini looked to be all finished when the Gophers turned a nine-point deficit into a five-point lead with just over seven minutes to play. However, it was superman time with 10 seconds left in the game, and Paul did what he had all game -- carried the Illini to victory. With no other teammate scoring more than six points in the game, Paul's 25 accounted for 50 percent of his team's points and saved the day for Illinois.

Five thoughts about the opening game of the BTT:

1. Illinois was very lucky to survive -- but many times a team that survives a scare in their opening game can run all the way to Sunday success. The Illini survived a 19-4 Minnesota run in the second half and still won the game. This rarely happens, and it certainly didn't happen with last year's Illinois team. But, sometimes a great ending on Thursday (or Friday) can lead to exciting weekends or tourney runs. Who can forget Ohio State surviving on an Evan Turner half-court shot at the buzzer to beat Michigan in 2010, only to run all the way to the title? I'll never forget Florida winning in a fluke in the 2000 NCAAs, only to make it all the way to the national title game (before losing to Tom Izzo and Michigan State). Could Illinois grab this magic? Probably not, but it's fun to dream!
 

2. Minnesota has way too much talent to be floundering like they are. The Gophers looked pretty uninterested in playing basketball for the first 20 minutes of the game. After jumping out to a 7-2 lead, the Gophers watched as the Illini went on a 19-2 run. It makes me wonder if Tubby-time in Minnesota in nearing a conclusion. I have always admired Coach Smith, but it feels like change could be in the air.

3. Props go out to Illinois coach John Groce for the manner in which he handled the officials Thursday at the United Center. About midway through the second half, Illinois had been whistled for eight fouls to Minnesota's one. I did everything in my power to keep Ed Bacon under control on press row. During the next media timeout, Groce huddled with the always-helpful Big Ten official Terry Wymer. The conversation was very civil, and the next five whistles went Illinois' direction, including two 50-50 block calls against Minnesota resulting in old-fashioned three-point plays for the Illini. Asked at the postgame press conference about his exchange with Wymer, Groce said: "These guys do a great job. … I didn't even talk about the foul disparity. … These guys don't worry about makeup calls." Yeah right, coach. And well done, sir!

4. Illinois is one broken team when the long-range shots aren't falling! D.J. Richardson couldn't buy a basket from 3-point land for most of the game (although kudos to the senior from Peoria for continuing to shoot and nailing a game-tying 3 with one minute left). Tyler Griffey's shot is really in bad shape. Joe Bertrand didn't even attempt a long-range shot. If Illinois has any chance against No. 3 Indiana on Friday, 3-point shots have to fall!

5. I love Chicago! It is so refreshing to see the Big Ten return to Chicago for the conference tourney -- long overdue!

That's all, folks. Here's hoping for another "shock to the system" on Friday as Illinois tackles the Hoosiers. Go, Illinois!

[By GREG TAYLOR with photos by TOM SEGGELKE]