Illinois vs. Arizona: The Comeback

"These guys have heart in reserve...they have no quit in sight."
—Steve Bardo during the Illinois - Arizona radio broadcast.

Illinois and Arizona put on the best show during the weekend that may have featured the best quartet of Region Final games in tournament history. The splendid Arizona athletes percolated in the 2nd half—stifling Illinois' offense, winning every loose ball, and scoring with ease—to drop a 15-point lead on the despairing orange throng at Allstate Arena with 4 minutes left in the season.

The final 4 minutes of regulation represented the greatest comeback in Illinois basketball history. Many who witnessed the contest still have a tough time comprehending how it happened. Scoring 20 points in 4 minutes is remarkable. 12 points in 50 seconds is unbelievable. A breakdown of the scoring-

• Deron Williams: 3 baskets, 8 points.
• Luther Head: 3 baskets, 8 points.
• Dee Brown: 2 baskets, 4 points.

The rally was capped when Jack Ingram tipped an Arizona inbounds pass to Luther Head who dished it to Dee Brown who swung it over to Deron Williams near the top of the key. Deron dribbled once to his left to aid in an Ingram screen and buried a three with 38 seconds to go. Arizona had three heart-stopping chances at a basket in the final 12 seconds but failed to convert and the game went to overtime. The Illini appeared to ice it in the extra session when Williams hit yet another three and Head took a steal all the way in for the layin giving Illinois a 6-point lead, but the Cats fought back. After one last defensive stand against a potential game-winning shot, the team finally celebrated at mid court.

• One for the ages!
  [herald-review.com]
• Illini, back from dead, continue bus tour to St. Louis
  [espn.com]
• Forward, Arch!
  [chicagotribune.com]
• Unbelievably, They Made New Believers
  [nytimes.com]
• Illinois - Arizona Picture Thread
  [illinois.scout.com]

Filed under: Arizona Wildcats, Illini Basketball, Illinois Loyalty Photos