Illini hope for repeat performance against Buckeyes

Groce, who was Matta's assistant at Ohio State for four seasons, is not surprised Matta once again has Ohio State in the title hunt.

"I spent a lot of time with him and he's has always done a good job of pushing the right buttons," Groce said. "That's what coaches do but he's really good at it. They have really been playing well lately. To say I'm not surprised would be an understatement."

Tupper