Blossoming Bertrand may help Illini

If playing four guards and one big man is the plan, the 6-foot-5 Bertrand is the obvious option. While power forward Tyler Griffey struggled defensively against athletic, mobile matchups and hasn't become a threat offensively, Weber may have found something in Bertrand, who was 6-of-10 from the field in 31 minutes vs. the Gophers.

"Joe stayed to what he can do well, the straight drives to the basket and the little pullups," Weber said. "You have to feel good for the kid. He's been very patient.

"He definitely adds to our team. We're better offensively because you've got more weapons to get to the basket."

Supinie