I'm sure we all remember where we were when this comeback happened. I'll admit that I thought the game was over when Arizona had as big of a lead as they did late.
I was a student at UIUC then and at a house party on another campus w some high school friends. Everyone was roasting me when we were losing. Best gloating I'll ever get to do.
I was there too. Unbelievable night. I'll always remember Dee trying to pass the ball down court to Deron for a winning layup in regulation and the pass getting blocked. Would have been one of the best passes ever.Unforgettable. That was the loudest arena I have ever been in. The sustained noise of the crowd trying to will the team during the comeback was unbelievable. I remember being there at the Allstate Arena when we were down 15 with four minutes left thinking about how much it was going to suck having to sell my final four tickets. That was a great team and it was the best comeback in tourney history.
Thanks for sharing. Great article-always liked Herb Gould’s writing...Herb Gould with a story on the 2005 Illini
Dramatic Comeback vs. Arizona Only One Reason Why 2005 Illini Are Still Adored
High-fiving Marcus Liberty? Get outta here. But I believe you. What a thrill! But I disagree with you on one point: it was the greatest game in the history of the Universe! A comeback for all time. Thanks for your post.We sat seven rows behind the AZ bench, two seats away from Marcus Liberty. With three minutes left, I remember sitting with my face in my hands, thinking this special season can’t end like this. The comeback started, and we were all standing, screaming our lungs out on every point the Illini scored. High-fiving Marcus was so fun after we won. It was the greatest game in the history of the world, one of the best memories of my life.
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Herb Gould had great things to say about Coach Weber. About time someone did. Thanks, Herb.Herb Gould with a story on the 2005 Illini
Dramatic Comeback vs. Arizona Only One Reason Why 2005 Illini Are Still Adored
This game is on cbs sports network right now. The video quality is much better than the previous version I have on my dvr from big tens greatest games on Btn FYI....
The degree of difficulty of that pass-and Dee’s ability to corral it and complete the layup-is not talked about enough.Among my favorite memories of that game: Deron's pass with English on it to Dee for the lay-up and Bill Murray hands to head in disbelief.