Nationally, Illini have hill to climb against WKU

"I hope it adds a little spark of fire in our players. The funny thing is, we're almost having trouble finding anyone who is picking us. (No. 5 vs. No. 12) has always been an upset game and there are only four 5-12s so one of them will win.

"We're probably the logical one with Chester's injury and with Western Kentucky's success this year and last year in the NCAA Tournament."

Tupper