Illini get new leash on life

Those 33-point games are history, the talent level is up, and Illinois shot its way to a 79-68 win against Vanderbilt on Tuesday. It was the new Illinois, a refurbished outfit that excels more on offense than on defense.

"Coach (Bruce Weber), the last couple of years, he knew we were kind of challenged on offense. He held back a little bit," said Demetri McCamey. "Now he knows he has guys with confidence and older and mature guys that know how to play. So he's more relaxed."

Klee