Illinois vs. Arizona: The Comeback
March 27, 2005 8:55 PM
"These guys have heart in reserve...they have no quit in sight."
—Steve Bardo during the Illinois - Arizona radio broadcast.
Illinois and Arizona put on the best show during the weekend that may have featured the best quartet of Region Final games in tournament history. The splendid Arizona athletes percolated in the 2nd half—stifling Illinois' offense, winning every loose ball, and scoring with ease—to drop a 15-point lead on the despairing orange throng at Allstate Arena with 4 minutes left in the season.
The final 4 minutes of regulation represented the greatest comeback in Illinois basketball history. Many who witnessed the contest still have a tough time comprehending how it happened. Scoring 20 points in 4 minutes is remarkable. 12 points in 50 seconds is unbelievable. A breakdown of the scoring-
- Deron Williams: 3 baskets, 8 points.
- Luther Head: 3 baskets, 8 points.
- Dee Brown: 2 baskets, 4 points.
- One for the ages!
[herald-review.com] - Illini, back from dead, continue bus tour to St. Louis
[espn.com] - Forward, Arch!
[chicagotribune.com] - Unbelievably, They Made New Believers
[nytimes.com] - Illinois - Arizona Picture Thread
[illinois.scout.com]
