Illinois vs Northwestern preview

Perhaps the biggest of the Illini's advantages today is their depth, if they choose to use it. Northwestern has used a six-man rotation in its past two games. Missing from that rotation was center Luka Mirkovic (ankle), who has enjoyed some success against Illinois in the past. "We don't think he's going to play," Bruce Weber said. Due in part to their lack of depth, the Wildcats likely will fall into a zone defense the Illini aren't accustomed to seeing. "I would bet money that Northwestern will jump out in a 1-3-1," Weber said. "And they're going to sit in that 1-3-1 until we figure it out." That would be the latest challenge for freshman Tracy Abrams.

Klee