Rough finish

In the Big Ten opener, way back in December, Illinois made a season-high 13 three-pointers in a double-digit win at Iowa. But those expecting Iowa to be a pushover are mistaken. First, Illinois hasn't shown the consistency to consider any opponent a pushover. Ask Indiana, Northwestern or UIC. Second, the Hawkeyes are on a four-game losing streak, but three of those losses came by three points (Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan). "I think it tells you that we are closer than our record may indicate, which a lot of coaches say, but in our case it's a reality," first-year coach Fran McCaffery said.

Klee