Illini leave Vegas busted after loss to in-state rival

"It's awful hard," said Illini freshman guard D.J. Richardson, the former Central High School guard who played prep school ball a few miles from here and fought back tears outside the locker room. "It's a hometown thing. It's bragging rights."

Bradley defeated Illinois for the first time since 1974 and the third time in 16 meetings. After winning their first four games in blowouts when the freshman class stepped into the spotlight, the Illini were reminded that the juniors must still carry the load.

Supinie