Illini vets kick up their heels to beat North Carolina

"To me, the game in a nutshell was their veteran, experienced good players playing like veteran, experienced good players," North Carolina coach Roy Williams said. "I think Demetri was sensational. He never looked like he felt pressure. Davis was really good, too, but Demetri controlled the game."

Illinois improved to 7-1 before a game against Gonzaga in Seattle at 4 p.m. Saturday (ESPN). With games against two big names this week, it was a chance for the Illini to climb in the top 25 rankings or fall out.

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