Illinois-Purdue preview

Shoving job speculation to the side, there's the more immediate picture: Illinois (5-7 Big Ten) and Purdue (6-6) appear to be squarely on the NCAA tournament bubble and in need of a strong finish to secure their postseason berth. "I think playing Northwestern (5-7) and playing Illinois in the position that all three of those are in, you're right there on that bubble," Painter said Monday. "You have to be able to go out there and compete and execute and carry out your assignment just like you always do, but it means a lot."

Klee