Jack Ingram deserves major credit for doing the little things right on that last possession
Ingram was a real glue guy on that team. A hard worker who did the little things and also provided some major contributions. I've little doubt he committed a foul on that steal at mid-court, but by then, we had AZ on their heels, and anyone who has watched a lot of sports knows that in moments like those, in the midst of a rousing comeback, the refs tend to favor the aggressor--the team and players who are setting the tone and dictating the pace of the game. The Illini definitely were in that category, and the refs let them play, thankfully.
I was so bummed out when we fell behind by, what, 14 or 15, with not much over 3:00 left. I bailed out, figuring it was over, and not planning to return. But I couldn't stay away. When I next looked, the Illini were kicking it into gear and, in particular, Luther and Deron were doing their best Superman imitations. The closing few minutes of regulation are the most stunning moments for me in my lengthy history as an Illini. There may be better comebacks, but on that stage, in that atmosphere, against such a solid, deserving opponent--I don't think it can be topped for sheer drama.
Notably, the team cooled off after regulation, and was in serious danger of giving it back to AZ. The teams famed toughness, and some luck, let them get out of there with the W. I think most people remember "The Comeback", but forget the nail biting OT when the game again hung in the balance, and the Illini ground it out. All of the theatrics were consumed in the last few minutes of regulation.
As for Nick Smith, he's the most unpleasant, ungrateful, petulant Illini I can remember, at least in basketball. He was a "me first" pouter of the first order. He had some moments, but he'll mostly be remembered as a Debbie Downer.