The National Championship Game: Illinois vs. North Carolina
April 3, 2005 10:27 AM
In front of 47,754—the largest crowd ever to watch an Illinois basketball game—the Illini pulled away from Louisville for a 72-57 victory in the National Semifinal. Roger Powell poured in 18 of his 20 in the 2nd half, Luther Head also had 20, Deron Williams dished out 9 assists while holding Cardinals star Francisco Garcia in check, and Jack Ingram was strong off the bench with 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Illinois will play for its first-ever national championship Monday night—in its first-ever title game—against North Carolina, a matchup that most college basketball fans have been hoping for since December.
- Illini Set to Take on UNC for the Title on Monday
[illinois.scout.com] - Hail to the seniors! Hail to the 'bigs!'
[herald-review.com] - Fans go 'crazy' over win
[news-gazette.com] - Celebrations noisy, sane
[chicagotribune.com] - Title advance easier said, and done
[chicagotribune.com] - Food for thought: Williams special
[suntimes.com] - Illinois - Louisville pictures
[illinois.scout.com]
