NOT BUYING

ILLINOIS (8-0) - Few would have thought than John Groce would have began his career in Champaign with eight consecutive wins, but that's exactly what's happened. The Illini have a couple of decent wins en route to the Maui Invitational title, but let's face it: That event was just ordinary this year. They beat USC, Butler and Chaminade - and also got past Georgia Tech at home. The other wins? Colgate, St. Francis (N.Y.) and Gardner-Webb. Brandon Paul is one of the best guards in the country, but there's just not enough around him to sustain anything like this. Look for the Illini in the NIT this year.

Next Game: Dec. 4 vs. Western Carolina
Next Test: Dec. 8 at Gonzaga
First Loss: Dec. 8 at Gonzaga

Jeff Goodman