Again, Arizona
March 26, 2005 4:48 PM
As expected, the Orange and Blue gave Bruce Pearl a long and loud boo when he was introduced prior to tip-off of the Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Illinois Sweet 16 contest. UWM was game—but not game enough—and the Illini rolled to a 77-63 victory.
Arizona coach Lute Olsen may receive similar love from orange fans tonight at the Allstate Arena when the Illini fight Arizona for a trip to the Final Four. Illini fans are looking for payback after an excruciating 87-81 defeat to the Wildcats at San Antonio in the 2001 Elite 8.
In 2001, many blame Olsen's fierce pregame lobbying via the media for putting a spell on officials Tim Higgins, Michael Kitts and Reggie Greenwood. The U of A coach was extremely concerned that Illinois was getting away with too much physical play. During the game, Illinois players were called for 36 fouls (to Zona's 23) resulting in 6 foul-outs. Bill Walton—doing color commentary for a game his son played in—was no joy to listen to either.
Tonight, the Illini will contend with:
- A true Top 10 team
- Sensational shooter Salim Stoudamire
- A Luther Head who may be slowed down a bit by injury
- 2001 Arizona - Illinois Elite 8 box score
[cnnsi.com] - Rematch! Illini vs. Arizona in Region Final
[illiniwonk.blogspot.com] - This is the year, now is the time
[chicagotribune.com] - Head will play as hard and long as he can
[herald-review.com] - Sweet to Elite
[bigtenwonk.blogspot.com] - If this conference is "down," Wonk don't wanna be up!
[bigtenwonk.blogspot.com]
