Illini trying to avoid being "sorry cats again"

Yes, Illinois had a few mental breakdowns on defense that proved costly down the stretch. Yes, the Illini found a way to get zero points out of two fast-break opportunities when they had the numbers.

But the team with Kalin Lucas (25 points) was destined to win.

Illinois tried multiple defenses to slow down Lucas in the final 13 minutes, when he scored 15 of his side's 21 points. Some of those defenses, the Illini hadn't shown before. It didn't matter.

Willhite