Illini fighting way back to Big Ten contention

Pounding Missouri doesn't mean the Illini will make it to the tourney. The Big Ten is much better, and teams such as Minnesota are suddenly players in the race for bids. So the crowded field makes it even harder for Illinois to differentiate itself. But at least Illinois matters again, as does the league. It's critical for the sport to energize a massive Midwest market.

"I'm cautiously optimistic," Weber said. "But I told our players that having the Big Ten do well will benefit us. Every game will be tough. For the NCAA tournament, it might take 23, 24 wins. We can't get stagnant."

Katz