Illini's 6-1 start raises NCAA hopes

"It was different last year," sophomore center Mike Tisdale said. "Some people were in it for themselves, and some didn't have the right mind-set. We're focused on winning and realize it gets you where you want to go."

The Illini make their annual United Center appearance Saturday against Georgia, which is 5-2 after losses to Loyola and Western Kentucky.

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