Shurna, Northwestern knock off Illini 74-70

"The coaches had us prepared for the game," said Illini guard Brandon Paul. "Coach (Bruce) Weber tried to take the blame. It's on (the players). We didn't come out and guard.

"We beat them the first time because we guarded. We beat Michigan State because we guarded. We came out here and let them do what they wanted. You have to blame it on us."

Hey, there's enough blame to go around. Sooner or later, athletic director Mike Thomas will have to make a decision.

Supinie