NCAA tourney sophomore trio key to Illini's chances

"Nobody expected us to be where we're at," center Mike Tisdale said. "Now we have to prove ourselves. Coach always says, 'You have to do your talking in the tournament.' Now's our chance."

The next step is to find a way to harness their emotions and skills and translate them into performing well against Western Kentucky Thursday night in Portland, Ore. Because as these three talented sophomores go, so go Illinois' NCAA tournament hopes.

Gould